MP calls for change at Switch Island following series of accidents

A Merseyside MP is calling for urgent action to change the road at Switch Island - after a series of accidents at the junction

Sefton Central MP, Bill Esterson has written to the Transport Secretary to demand changes be made as a matter of urgency.

The move by the MP follows the latest series of accidents at the busy junction, which followed the opening of the new Broomes Cross Road or Thornton by-pass.

Bill Esterson MP, who lives in Maghull saw the aftermath of one recent accident and reality TV star, Chelsey Harwood, posted pictures on social media after being involved in a further accident a few days later.

Esterson said "Highways England are taking far too long to review Switch Island. We have seen a catalogue of serious accidents. I saw an accident last Sunday and there was another yesterday."

"Anyone who saw the pictures of Chelsey Harwood’s car after her accident knows she is lucky to be alive. It is clear to everyone that the junction simply isn't working. Safety must come first and Highways England must act. I have written to the government minister again, demanding immediate action to reduce the carnage at Switch Island."

“Switch Island was already a busy junction and the fact that it is where the M57 and M58 meet adds to the level of traffic. So it should have been clear to the government that when the much needed Broomes Cross Road was opened, it was likely to cause some confusion.

"I have been inundated with comments from road users, with suggestions that range from how to improve the junction, to better signage to comments about the number of drivers who ignore red lights. People who are not used to the junction often say they find it confusing and judging by the way some drivers behave, there are clearly major problems."

“It is also clear that had Switch Island been in London, then the government would have built a flyover or a tunnel for Broomes Cross Road.

"The government spends £289 per person on transport in the North West of England, whereas the figure is £1,859 in London and the South East. Safety must be paramount and there should be fair funding of our roads too.

"Highways England has held a review. They will have heard the comments, which have also been made to me about what is wrong at Switch Island. Now it is time for action. That is why I am calling on the Conservative Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, to intervene straight away to give road users at Switch Island the priority they deserve.”