Islington’s road safety schemes implemented since 2001 have led to a massive decrease in accidents of up to 70% at some accident hotspots, recent research has revealed.<br><br>The schemes, which include the addition of anti-skid surfacing, amendments to junction layout, revised signal timings and kerb re-alignment, are introduced annually to accident hotspots throughout the borough.<br><br>On average, the frequency of accidents at the chosen locations has reduced by 50%.<br><br>Councillor Bridget Fox, Executive member for sustainability, said that the council analyses the types of accidents occurring and designs specific measures to deal with them.<br><br>"The latest three year review has shown that traffic calming in Dartmouth Park Hill reduced the number of accidents from 46 before to 18 afterwards – a reduction of 61%. At the junction of Mackenzie Road and Roman Way, new road markings and anti-skid surfacing achieved an accident reduction of 71%. <br><br>These excellent results are great news for Islington - and they show our commitment to reducing road accidents in the borough is effective. The heavy emotional and financial cost of traffic accidents means one accident is one too many - we will continue to work on measures to prevent and reduce the frequency of accidents.”<br><br>While some of the schemes require substantial work, such as the addition of a full set of traffic lights, the implementation costs are negligible compared with the financial cost of road accidents, currently averaged at £72,700 for the sites selected in the review.<br><br>Potential schemes are prioritised according to the number and severity of accidents occurring and the types of local amenities in the area, such as schools and day centres.<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009