I wrote to National Highways earlier this month about the alarming number of collisions and accidents at Norcross roundabout (see: Cat tells Highways: Fix Norcross Roundabout!).

National Highways have now responded to me to advise the following:

“We have reviewed the accident record since the changes to the junction were completed. The review shows that the number of injury collisions remains broadly the same as they were prior to the completion of the roundabout. On average 5 accidents that resulted in injury happened per year before the changes were completed. In 2020, the year the scheme completed, 4 injury accidents were recorded, and in 2021, 6 injury accidents were reported. Validated information for later years isn’t yet available. However, we will continue to review how this junction performs from a safety viewpoint as that data becomes available.

Neither us nor the police have accurate records of non-injury collisions. We are aware that damage only collisions have been occurring due to the number of complaints received, and following these complaints we are now investigating thoroughly in partnership with Lancashire Police and Lancashire County Council.”

Firstly I am surprised that such massive roadwork upgrades like this are undertaken without accurate records of non-injury collisions, but most importantly it’s of huge concern that the latest figures show there are more injury accidents at the roundabout than there were before.

The true full benefit to the roundabout upgrade, along with the Windy Harbour bypass project is not yet known, but I remain sceptical that decision-makers and Ministers in London know what is best for the roads in Wyre. One of the biggest questions that remains for me is what is the benefit of increasing road capacity at either end of the single-lane stretch between Norcross and Skippool?

This is why I’m proud of Labour’s plans in government to introduce a “Take Back Control” Bill which will grant regions new devolved powers on employment support, transport, energy, climate change, housing, culture, childcare provision and how councils run their finances – and will give communities a new right to request powers which go beyond even that. We need accountable local decision makers who know our area choosing how we design, build and upgrade our towns, not more power in Westminster.