Campaigners welcome safety survey into Stirling Corner (From Borehamwood Times)

Campaigners welcome Andrew Dismore's safety survey into Stirling Corner

10:16am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News By Anna Slater

Campaigners have welcomed a safety survey into “crazily dangerous” Stirling Corner.

Motorists believe that the roundabout, which sits between the A1 and Barnet Lane near Borehamwood, should have 24-hour traffic lights to reduce the risk of accidents.

Andrew Dismore, London Assembly member for Barnet, launched the survey to find out how many would be in favour of the new measures.

Sue Alford, 46, of Hunter Close, Borehamwood, said: “It is a real nuisance so I am really pleased Mr Dismore is showing an interest in this.

“The majority of us would like traffic lights on between 6am to 9pm.

“I know that would create havoc but I would rather that than risk life and limb when driving through or crossing on foot.

“I am urging everyone to fill out the survey because we cannot let this opportunity for a life-saving change slip through our fingers.”

The traffic lights currently operate for just three hours a day from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, which Mr Dismore believes is causing a danger to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

A spate of accidents in the area earlier this year, including one fatality, saw campaigners call for safety measures in the roundabout.

Athar Abbas, a driving instructor at Dynamic Driving School, said some of his students are “terrified” of Stirling Corner.

He said: “I am pleased that a safety survey has been launched because it is a dangerous roundabout.

“I would welcome round the clock traffic signals but I feel the answer also lies in reducing the crazily dangerous 70mph speed limit.

“It is not like an ordinary roundabout, many of my students find it very daunting – hopefully this survey will help matters.”

Clive Butchins, deputy Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, said: “I welcome any intervention from Barnet Council and hope this will be a step into seeing some safety improvements at Stirling Corner.

“I disagree with 24-hour traffic lights though. The ideal sort of thing would be to create a bridge or an underpass for pedestrians, or find a way to calm the traffic down.”