A483 in Shropshire Named Most Dangerous Road in Midlands
The A483 in Shropshire has been officially designated as the most dangerous road in the Midlands, with a notorious stretch at Llynclys Crossroads posing severe risks to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Local MP Helen Morgan has raised urgent concerns, stating that crashes occur "on an almost weekly basis" and demanding immediate action to save lives.
Persistent Safety Issues at Llynclys Crossroads
The Llynclys Crossroads on the A483, which runs from Llanymynech to Oswestry, is a critical junction used daily by families and schoolchildren. National Highways has previously labeled it the most dangerous in the Midlands and an accident blackspot due to a series of severe collisions. CCTV footage from the nearby White Lion pub has captured multiple horrific incidents, including two crashes within two hours and one where toddlers had to be rescued from danger.
Steve Sant, landlord of the White Lion, reported that his staff regularly witness crashes and have often provided first aid to casualties before emergency services arrive. This highlights the ongoing peril at this junction, which has seen numerous calls for safety improvements over recent years.
Community and Political Calls for Action
MP Helen Morgan, along with local residents, is advocating for the inclusion of this route in a new Government road safety scheme. In a letter to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, Morgan urged swift action "before the unthinkable happens." She emphasized the community's strong support, noting that National Highways is already on board, and only government funding is needed to implement safety measures.
Morgan stated, "There are crashes at this junction on an almost weekly basis, and the Government now has the chance to provide the safety measures our communities so desperately need. The strength of feeling is clear from this letter. The community is on board, National Highways are on board, all we need is for the Government to commit the funds."
Impact on Local Schools and Families
The safety concerns extend to nearby educational institutions, with Bryn Offa Primary School headteacher Celine Keleher expressing deep worry. She noted that many school community members travel the road daily, and pupils frequently cross at Llynclys Crossroads to catch buses to secondary school. Earlier this year, children from the school even wrote letters expressing their fears, which they took to London to highlight the issue.
Keleher said, "The safety of our children, families, and staff must always come first. Securing Government funding to improve safety at this junction must be a priority for the wellbeing of our children and the wider community."
Proposed Solutions and Future Steps
While a bypass for the area is considered highly unlikely, plans developed by National Highways offer a viable path forward. These measures aim to enhance safety for all road users, including drivers, walkers, and cyclists. Morgan added, "This should have been sorted years ago, and it’s now up to the Government to show it is serious about investing in road safety."
The ongoing incidents and community outcry underscore the critical need for immediate intervention to prevent further accidents and protect lives on this hazardous stretch of road.
