THE Highways Agency has defended itself against accusations that it has failed to take enough action to stop lorries overturning at the A14 dockspur roundabout.
THE Highways Agency has defended itself against accusations that it has failed to take enough action to stop lorries overturning at the A14 dockspur roundabout.
Felixstowe Town Council has criticised the Highways Agency about delays in the long-running campaign to make improvements at the roundabout.
But Roger Chenery, A14 route manager, said: ''I appreciate that the town council still has concerns about dockspur roundabout. However, I would like to assure you that your assertion that 'little action' has been taken to tackle problems caused by lorries overturning is inaccurate.
''There have been further improvements made to the road markings and measures implemented to prevent nose to tail shunts at the Candlet Road entry. We are also continuing work here 'in the background' to introduce other methods of reducing vehicle speeds such as the vehicle activated signing.
''As has been stated previously, this particular measure will take time to implement, as it is technology based and requires careful planning and designing to ensure its success.''
Hutchison Ports (UK), owners of Felixstowe Port, have also put pressure on the Highways Agency and complained about slow progress. Paul Davey, the port's corporate affairs manager, told the Highways Agency the port wanted vehicle activated signs at the roundabout.
''We do, however, remain concerned that despite the evidence that these signs are effective, and our offer to contribute towards the funding of them, there still appears to be no firm commitment from the Highways Agency to install these signs at the dock spur roundabout.''
The roundabout was discussed by the town council's finance and general purposes committee. Councillors decided that they should write again to the Highways Agency - the format of the letter will be decided by the full council.
Up to £30,000 has been spent this year on changing road markings and erecting signs at the roundabout. Andy Smith said: ''We were shown three options for a major scheme. We chose one and put forward our views on the scheme we thought would ameliorate the problem but nothing has happened.''
richard.smith@eadt.co.uk
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