RESIDENTS whose homes have been damaged by vehicles failing to negotiate a roundabout will be better protected - after a raft of preventative measures were signed off by highways bosses.
Lee Lane in Royston received a new roundabout in 2019 as part of Barratt Homes’ 164-property estate.
However, the road - which has been a hotspot for speeding - claimed multiple victims thereafter after motorists failed to navigate the roundabout.
Improvements were fast-tracked as a result following vows from councillors to help ease ‘sitting duck’ residents’ worries.
The measures currently being built include new signs and road markings to warn of the roundabout.
A gateway feature at the start of the 30mph speed limit will also be introduced, as will larger chevron signs on yellow backing boards on the roundabout island and narrower lanes to ensure vehicles cannot ‘straight line’ the roundabout.
These improvements have been agreed with local councillors and are due to be completed by the beginning of next month.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways said: “Following feedback about the speed of vehicles accessing the roundabout, we’ve investigated and developed a new solution that puts safety first while responding to community needs.
“The roundabout was open for traffic in late 2019. Since then, a small number of incidents have occurred where eastbound drivers have lost control of their vehicle whilst negotiating the roundabout.
“This has resulted in damage to residential properties or the boundary fence.
“These incidents have been investigated by our traffic team, who have developed a package of road safety improvements to address the issues.
“We’re committed to tackling road safety head-on and these improvements on Lee Lane and the Oriel Way roundabout are a clear example of that commitment in action.
“We’ve listened to residents and acted swiftly to address concerns about speeding and safety.
“By introducing clearer signage, narrowing lanes and adding features that slow vehicles down, we’re working to make this route safer for all road users.
Barnsley Council’s deputy leader, Coun Caroline Makinson - who also represents the Royston ward - praised highways officers’ quick actions.
“It’s a serious situation as clearly something’s not been quite right and the residents whose homes are nearby are fearful,” she told the Chronicle.
“I remember seeing the aftermath of one and the car had basically entered someone’s front room - that’s how bad it was.
“We made a promise to them that we’d look into putting things right and this work proves that.
“A safety audit was done and the conclusion agreed with us that something needed to be done - to be fair to Barratt Homes, they’ve been completely onboard.
“It’s good, positive news and the work is comprehensive.”
