Fence scheme 'forces' Swansea drivers to slow down

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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This is SouthWales

HIGHWAYS bosses say a traffic system which obscures the view of a roundabout plagued by accidents will make drivers safer.

Eight car crashes have occurred on Cwmbwrla roundabout over the past year, prompting calls for Swansea Council to act on the matter.

It has now put up 6ft high fencing on the Carmarthen Road dual carriageway in attempt to slow traffic down.

Motorists have branded the scheme unsightly and a waste of money, but local authority chiefs insist the scheme is safe and is part of their aim to reduce the number of accidents on city roads.

A spokesman said: "The downhill approach and wide open aspect of Cwmbwrla roundabout means that speeds are (often) high.

"Motorists are looking right prematurely and not concentrating on the vehicles ahead.

"The series of fence panels have been erected along the central reservation, which direct motorists' attention to where it is required."

Cwmbwrla roundabout is used by thousands of vehicles every day. Its five exits provide access to Swansea city centre, Manselton, Townhill and traffic headed in the direction of Gorseinon.

However, a number of accidents have occurred on the roundabout — with council chiefs citing speed as one of the main causes.

Chris Vinestock, the council's head of transport, said the new system worked by "forcing" cars travelling downhill to cut their speed.

"Collisions have previously occurred at the site because motorists were looking right instead of looking in front of them," he said.

"The fencing forces motorists to focus on the car in front so that if any sudden braking occurs they will be able to act more quickly."

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But a number of motorists have complained about the change, claiming it is dangerous.

Carol Harrington, aged 65, of Treboeth, regularly uses the roundabout on her way into Swansea.

She said: "When you're coming down Carmarthen Road you cannot see what is on the roundabout.

"I cannot see how restricting the visibility of traffic can make things safer."

Dave Evans, aged 44, of Sketty, added: "I'm all for making our roads safer, but I do think the money could be better spent elsewhere.

"The potholes on the roads should be given priority first."

Swansea Council added it was looking to put down new road markings around the roundabout in the coming weeks.

What do you think of the fence? Post your comment below.

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15 Comments

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by John Howell, Swansea

    Friday, February 19 2010, 6:34PM

    “Is there no controlling this department?

    How can obscuring a driver's vision ever be a safety improvement??

    You could not make it up - I even checked whether it was 1st April”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Ray Welsby, Clase Morriston

    Wednesday, February 17 2010, 11:29PM

    “I have read this article and it amazes myself how Cllr, Holley seems to get what he wants in his ward. What about implimenting road safety measures in other parts of the city,like crossings, saftey barrier's,footpaths for safer routes for children going to school instead of walking on main roads with no footpaths.”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Achmeds, Uncle

    Wednesday, February 17 2010, 9:57PM

    “There are times yes one needs to stop at a roundabout, its called giving way to cars already on it coming from the right. But some drivers also do not know how to use roundabouts correctly, a roundabout sign means a roundabout is there not an "accelerate now" sign oops cant make it theres a car coming round I better slam my anchors on. OOPS the car behind me wasnt paying attention and now my boot and bumper is now on the back seat of my car . Now if the following car had simply hung back a bit it wouldnt have happened. I would go as far to say it is a safe roundabout if all cars were driven properly . There is NO excuse for a car to go in the back of another if driven properly but nowadays if you leave a gap between you and the car in front some bright spark will cut you up and poke their nose into it. Oh the joys of motoring one could harp on all day about other peoples bad habits.”

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    by Bob, Kidwelly

    Wednesday, February 17 2010, 3:53PM

    “Have these people completely lost their marbles? A driver needs to assimilate information from a 360 degree area. How can blocking a driver¿s view possibly make things safer? I tell you what why not blindfold all drivers so they can¿t drive at all. There is a correct procedure when approaching a roundabout and it is not to slam on your brakes and come to a complete stop. I would suggest that the majority of accidents are caused by drivers braking unnecessarily.

    If there is another reason then identify it and fix it, don¿t start blinding drivers.”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by K, Swansea

    Wednesday, February 17 2010, 9:35AM

    “Drove past them for the second time yesterday but coming from fF'fach so much more able to appreciate their usefullness. i suspect there are a few more roundabouts in Swansea where they could be used.

    Why are so many people who comment on the EP site negative towards eachother?”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Alexander the Great, Meerkat.com

    Wednesday, February 17 2010, 1:24AM

    “Achmeds, Uncle

    Don't try and imitate purrrffffection, there is only one Alexander, simples!”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Achmeds, Uncle

    Tuesday, February 16 2010, 9:55PM

    “dont tailgate then . simple.”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by ann, gendros

    Tuesday, February 16 2010, 7:59PM

    “Yes the fences are not pretty. However it is the fault of drivers who speed down Carmarthen Road and fail to stop in either lane as they join the roundabout who are to blame for these fences being in place. Drivers using the roundabout from any direction other than downhill Carmarthen road run the gauntlet of being injured and even killed by these irresponsible drivers who think they own the right of way to the road. For years they have failed to slow down, stop and give way to traffic that has right of way of the roundabout - shame on them I say. Take their pictures and apportinon the cost of this project to them directly - I am sick of having to take my life in my hands every time I pass that exist from Carmarthen Road. Ann”

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    by ivor douglas, Townhill

    Tuesday, February 16 2010, 6:24PM

    “Picture this, its the small hrs of the morning, your are approaching this rounderbout, you stop, because you can see whats comming on your right, and before you can do anything, thugs have jumped out from these perfect hiding partitions, and your bags gone, or even your car, or even worse, you've been struck, and left out on the curb, Can you picture it?”

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    by Ivor D Davies, Townhill

    Tuesday, February 16 2010, 6:14PM

    “I am all for making our rds safer for us drivers, especialy after seeing no less then 2 cars overturn outside my house in the past 8 mths, plus numurous near misses, but, the fences at Cwmbwla,are not only ugly, but offer an ideal hiding place for thugs to hide between in a bid to either attack, or, highjack unsuspecting drivers, as you now have to stop, as you cant see whats comming on the right, drive down there at night, or early hrs of the morrning, I dont think so.”

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