BARNSLEY’S busiest roundabouts have claimed more than 150 casualties in a decade - but council highways bosses have claimed their statistics represent a ‘strong’ safety record.
Data has revealed how many collisions have taken place at the town’s most-used roundabouts - including Townend, Stairfoot, Harborough Hill, Alhambra and Dodworth - in the last ten years.
Council figures show there have been 41 recorded personal injury collisions (PICs) on Townend - the highest of the sites listed - but none of them were fatal.
Stairfoot saw 39 collisions over the same period, while Harborough Hill, also known as Old Mill Lane, recorded 36.
The Alhambra’s saw 30 collisions and junction 37 at Dodworth recorded 16, bringing the main five locations’ figures to 162 injury-recorded collisions.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “Road safety remains a top priority for the council and our roundabouts continue to demonstrate a strong safety record.
“While minor collisions do happen, they are not a significant concern for motorists and road users in our borough.
“Our reviews of cluster site data are carried out regularly and in line with national guidance.”
The most common cause of collisions on roundabouts was driver error, particularly among young motorists, the council said.
Annual statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT) show 508 recorded casualties and nine deaths in Barnsley which, collectively, is an 18 per cent increase on the previous year’s figures.
To address this, the Don’t Drive Daft campaign - aimed at 17 to 24 year olds - has been launched to boost standards and improve motorists’ safety.
Keeping road users in Barnsley safe is of utmost importance to us - every single death or serious injury is a tragedy, and one casualty is too many,” Coun Higginbottom added.
“While it is concerning to see an increase of 18 per cent in the number of casualties during 2023, the figure is still lower than pre-pandemic levels and the total number of fatal accidents on our roads accounts for less than two per cent of the incidents recorded.
“Accidents involving cyclists reduced and collisions involving 17 to 24 year olds and people over 60 are also both down when compared to 2022.
“We continue to work with our partners in the Barnsley Safer Road Partnership to reduce casualties and make safety a priority in planning, design, operation and using our roads.
“Our Don’t Drive Daft campaign draws attention to the dangerous behaviours taking place on our roads, such as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, being distracted by phones or loud music and drink and drug-driving, to encourage safe driving and empower us all to speak up if we see anyone putting themselves and others at risk with dangerous behaviour behind the wheel.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and if we all take personal responsibility for our actions, we can save lives and prevent casualties on Barnsley’s roads.”
