CCTV footage has captured a series of dramatic accidents at what’s being called the “UK’s most dangerous junction,” where 13 crashes have occurred over the last six weeks. Situated on the A521 in Cheadle, Staffordshire, the junction has seen nearly £200,000 in damages as cars collide with lorries and flip over.
Residents attribute these accidents to poor signage and faded road markings. While no fatalities have happened yet, locals fear it may be only a matter of time.
Home security footage shows one car speeding across without noticing the give-way lines, leading to a collision with a lorry, while another clip shows a car being clipped and flipping onto the sidewalk. The latest incident occurred on Thursday, October 17, involving a car and van at the Draycott Cross Road junction. Now, locals are calling on the council to enhance safety at the site.
Conor Bernard Devine, who runs The Huntsman pub nearby, said, “You hear a loud crash, run out, and see yet another car overturned. A fatal accident seems inevitable.”
Devine, 55, has been tracking accident intervals and shared, “We’re on a four-day streak without a crash. We’ve been here 15 years, and it’s always been a risky junction, but it’s gotten worse. I’m not sure if it’s due to the road markings.”
“Three of the incidents have been serious, with minor crashes in between. With an Aldi coming, the town’s traffic will likely increase,” he noted.
Independent councillor Gary Bentley, whose Ring doorbell has recorded several crashes, remarked, “This junction is very busy, possibly one of the UK’s most dangerous right now.”
“We’ve seen about 13 crashes since August. My 84-year-old father walks that road daily, which worries me. Crashes have happened here for years, but it’s notably worse this year.”
“We’re pushing for traffic lights. Another nearby crossroads with a fatality got lights 18 months ago, and that’s what I’m advocating for.”
Mark Deaville, from Staffordshire County Council’s highways department, says the recent rise in crashes is being investigated.
“Once we gather all the information, we’ll determine if action is needed. Road safety is a priority, and we work closely with communities to address their concerns,” he stated.