Drivers say a crossroads on the A46 is so dangerous it is only a matter of time before someone is killed. Most who took part in a survey conducted by a concerned local councillor admit they do not feel safe whenever they use the busy junction, between the villages of Seagrave and Thrussington.
The junction has been notorious among locals for some years due to its design and the speed of vehicles on the A46. Leicester City Football Club made some changes to the crossing last year as part of the conditions of the planning permission for its training ground nearby, which was expected to add to the amount of traffic in the area.
However, more than 1,000 drivers have responded to the survey about the design of the junction and they believe further work is required. And 97 percent of those who took part said they feel unsafe while using the crossing, while 80 percent said they have had a 'dangerous experience', Leicestershire Live reports.
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Councillor Paul Simpson, a member of Seagrave Parish Council, said he started the survey after his wife was involved in a collision at the junction. He told Leicestershire Live: "It's a death waiting to happen."
He added: "It's been 15 months since modifications to these crossroads were completed to accommodate Leicester City FC and their new training facility in Seagrave. I've lived in Seagrave for 18 years and have always struggled to interpret how to cross.
"Since the modifications have been implemented, I personally think they've made it worse to cross in all directions. A couple of months back my wife, Charlotte, was involved in a nasty collision at the junction crossing to Thrussington. Both cars were written off but fortunately, nobody was seriously injured.
"Charlotte had an unblemished driving history and this was the first incident she has been in after passing her test some 34 years ago. It was determined at the scene that Charlotte was driving with undue care and attention.
"With this in mind, I launched the survey in May with three simple questions regarding the crossroads. We have had an incredible response.
"What's really compelling is the second largest number of recipients who have responded live in other villages/towns outside of the villages within the three-mile radius of the crossroad. It's extremely dangerous and something needs to change before a loss of life happens".
One resident, from Wymeswold, said: "I go through the crossing at least twice a day, but on the A46. I frequently have to decelerate significantly due to people trying to get across. I have also been through after several accidents have occurred.
"At least twice I have had to break virtually to a standstill to avoid a collision. I literally have anxiety whenever I go through, when there are cars in the middle of the carriageway".
A resident from nearby Walton on the Wolds said: "On a number of occasions when turning right from the Seagrave direction I have been stuck on the central area as traffic coming from the Newark direction is lined up to cross to Seagrave. When this happens there is no view of traffic flowing toward Leicester, absolutely impossible to see safely.
"Twice I have been almost forced to take a gamble, with my heart in my mouth, as others turning in the same direction came alongside me. It is without doubt the most scary and dangerous crossing I have ever used.
"It is equally dangerous, if not more so for traffic crossing from Seagrave to Thrussington which requires crossing both carriageways without a safe view. The volume of traffic and speed of flow makes turning across or right to Leicester frightening.
"Since the training ground has been built this danger has dramatically increased due to the number of vehicles using it. Fatalities are inevitable soon I cannot believe that highways have built this death-trap".
A spokesperson for National Highways England said they are monitoring the crossing. Karen Moore, Programme Development Manager, said: “We take safety extremely seriously and fully respect and appreciate the concerns raised.
“We’re currently monitoring this part of the A46 to assess any necessary steps to improve safety for all road users.”
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