More Black Dog Crossroads crashes reignite traffic light calls
The Black Dog Crossroads, an A360 junction near West Lavington, has been the subject of fierce debate for many years and was named the seventh most dangerous junction in the county in 2020. Wiltshire Council is currently progressing with a scheme to increase safety at the crossroads by realigning the junction, to improve visibility, and is also considering a proposal to restrict the use of the northern link road. But this policy has come under fire from some residents and road safety campaigners who have called for traffic lights to be installed.[1]
These calls have been reignited after several crashes at the junction in recent weeks, one of which saw a car leave the road. Road safety campaigner Michael Maxwell said: “The plan is costing an awful lot of money, but they don’t seem to be able to reduce the speed limit. The Scream protest artwork in Devizes (Image: Michael Maxwell)
“It is very concerning because sooner or later a motorcycle will be involved in a crash with a car and a motorcyclist would inevitably come off worse. “Several people in Devizes have said to me, ‘it is only going to change when somebody dies there’, there are all these soundbites and nothing at all has been achieved.” Mr Maxwell has been appealing for action at Black Dog for several years and has been displaying his protest artwork “The Scream”, consisting of parts collected from collisions at the scene, in Devizes over the last few months.
He believes traffic lights are the only measure that would effectively slow traffic and improve safety. But Wiltshire Council insists improving sight lines at the crossroads is the most “appropriate” course of action. Cllr Caroline Thomas, the cabinet member for transport, said: “A variety of measures for the Black Dog Crossroads, including traffic signals, were considered during our discussions with local councillors and the local parish councils.
A crash at the junction in August last year (Image: Kimberley Brown) “However, it was agreed that the most appropriate improvement would be to realign the junction. “Negotiations are ongoing with the neighbouring landowners to purchase the land required to allow us to complete these works.
“We are aware of several recent collisions and are awaiting further information on the circumstances relating to these.
“Through the locally elected councillors, consideration is also being given to introducing measures to restrict the use of the northern link, and this will be considered by the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group at the next meeting on January 23.”