New calls for action at ‘dangerous’ Boot Hill junction

The junction, near Asda, has proved controversial since it was built ahead of the 2012 Olympics – replacing a roundabout – with Dorset Council having made a number of modifications following complaints about the layout and general safety. Now another rethink is being demanded after a Weymouth resident was involved in a two-vehicle crash at the junction which saw his car written off and his partner taken to hospital for x-rays. Dashcam footage from another vehicle shows the moment that the motorist was driving down Boot Hill from the Rodwell Road direction, straight across to Westwey Road on a green light, when a van driver turns right in front of him, heading in the direction of Asda, causing a crash.

The driver, who does not wish to be named, is now calling for a filter light for cars turning right from Westwey Road to prevent the same incident from happening again. Asda junction (Image: Hollie Carr) He said: “The addition of a filter right hand light cost is miniscule compared to injuries and vehicle repair costs.

“It is a big complicated and badly designed traffic light junction where many accidents happen. “The traffic lights were green and I went straight across the junction, when a Ford Transit coming from the opposite direction turned right in front of me towards Asda. He hit the vehicle square on.”

He explained that at the time of the crash, his partner and dog were also in the car. “My air bags went off, and my partner, self and dog are all okay. My partner required an X-ray but luckily had no injuries and was just sore.

I was okay after being left breathless for a few hours due to the impact of the airbag.” Images of the impact show severe damage to the front of the car which was written off. Asda junction crash (Image: Supplied)

There were no serious injuries reported and no arrests were made. Figures from the Dorset Road Safety Team, obtained via a Freedom of Information request to Dorset Police, reveals the number of crashes that have occurred at the junction over the past 10 years. However, they only record incidents where injuries have been reported.

Since 2013, 16 injury collisions have taken place, with none reported this year (Jan-June). A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Non-injury collision data is not recorded by Dorset Police.” The Dorset Council Road Safety Team is currently reviewing reports of collisions at Boot Hill, ‘looking at all the available data, and will act if neccesary.’

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “Road safety is a priority for Dorset Council. “Many factors cause collisions, most of which are outside our direct control such as driver behaviour, so we use the Safe System model. This addresses common errors and considers highway improvements when needed.

“We work closely with Dorset Police, who provide regular reports of highway issues that need investigation.

“As the police nationally only report road traffic collisions to local highway authorities when they involve injury, we have also developed a system where non-injury and near-miss incidents can be reported to us by the public.”