"We'll consider a barrier when planning M40 improvements"

CONCRETE barriers have stopped all cross-over accidents on motorways and should be installed along the M40, according to a campaign group.

 

The call to scrap the out-dated steel barriers was made after three people died last Thursday when a lorry cut through the central reservation, ploughing into on-coming traffic. The victims in the seven car crash were named as Colin Barton, 58, from Birmingham, and couple Colin Ledger and Deborah Pearmain, 38, who were both from Houghton Regis near Dunstable. A fourth person, 35-year-old Richard Heale from Birmingham, was also killed on the stretch on Monday morning when another multiple pile-up took place between Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross.

 

And another horrific accident took place on Saturday when a mother and her son were towing a speed boat behind a landrover, when the car overturned.

 

According to Britpave , a concrete paving membership association, more than 200 crossover accidents happen every year where cars travelling in one direction end up on the opposite carriageway during collisions.

Concrete barriers are designed to withstand 13 tonnes, compared to the steel barrier which can hold 1.5 tonnes.

David Jones, director of the group, said:

 

“We appreciate that The Highways Agency have a budget and we want to support everything they can do to speed up a barrier replacement scheme. The superior strength of concrete step barriers can help prevent crossover accidents. On the sections of UK motorways where concrete barriers have been installed no vehicles have ever crashed through them.”

 

In 2005 The Highways Agency announced it would install the barriers to all of England's motorways but so far only a few sections have been replaced. However, it says this type of system will be put in place, in due course.

 

A spokesman for The Highways Agency added:

 

“All existing motorways will introduce concrete barriers into the central reserve as part of ongoing upgrades and though replacement as and when these systems have reached the end of their useful life. As with all our motorways, installing a barrier on the M40 will be considered when we plan improvements to the road.”

 

The campaign has also been backed by the RAC who agrees that this type of central reservation could help prevent accidents from occurring.

 

Robin Cummins, RAC road safety consultant said:

 

“Accidents are still going to occur, but it doesn't affect the traffic on the other side of the road. It does help a lot in containing the accident to one side.”

 

Richard Shepard, 34, a chauffeur was travelling up a slip road at the time, but reversed back after seeing the chaos and went to the scene to help.

 

He said:

 

“It was carnage. That is the only way to describe it. It is the worst accident I have ever seen. I didn't see any of the accident whatsoever, but it is obvious what had happened. There were cars backing up on both sides. You could see where the lorry had come through the central reservation and you could also see where it had hit the other vehicle and there was not a lot left of it.”

 

Mr Shepard, of Knaves Hollow, Loudwater, said:

 

“I tended to two elderly people who were in a peugeot. It wasn't life threatening.”

 

PC Simon Kennedy from Amersham Roads Policing how is investigating Monday's crash is now urging motorists from the High Wycombe area to come forward with any information.

 

Article published in the Busk Free Press (08/06/2007).