Stirling Corner needs “urgent safety improvements”, according to a senior local politician.

Barnet Borough Council leader Richard Cornelius is backing campaigners who want to install 24-hour traffic lights at the "death trap" roundabout, which is approached from a dual carriageway with a 70mph speed limit.

Last week, Councillor Cornelius wrote to Mayor of London Boris Johnson to ask him to reduce the speed limit on the road, which splits Barnet and Borehamwood.

Traffic signals at the roundabout are only active between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, but Cllr Cornelius's letter asks the Mayor to look into longer operating hours.

It also makes clear the area is dangerous for cars, pedestrians and cyclists joining the roundabout from Barnet Lane, Barnet Road and Stirling Way.

The letter adds: “We ask you to take action to ensure potential safety improvements at Stirling Corner are investigated, with a view to implementing suitable improvements as soon as possible.”

As a result of the letter, the deputy Mayor for Transport Isabel Dedring has agreed to hold discussions with representatives from Barnet and Hertsmere about the issue.

Last year the roundabout, which many have admitted leaves them “shaking in fear”, saw a spate of serious accidents – including one death last February.

Campaigners have long battled for extra safety measures at the roundabout. Barnet GLA member Andrew Dismore launched a safety survey into the area last year.

Mr Dismore told the Borehamwood Times: “I am pleased – but progress in addressing local concerns about Stirling Corner is far too slow.

“I have challenged Mayor Johnson to ride his bike around Stirling Corner to see how dangerous it is, but he has yet to do so.”

Last week, he was shocked to discover only seven roundabouts in London, including Stirling Corner, are approached by roads with a 70mph speed limit.

He added: “This confirms what we already know – very few roads have this excessive speed limit, which is a contributor to the serious safety risks at the junction.

“Part of the solution must be to prevent vehicles approaching the roundabout far too quickly by cutting the speed limit.”