MP backs calls to improve 'dangerous A590 junction

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has lent his support to efforts to reduce further fatalities at the dangerous Foulshaw Lane junction on the A590.

Following several tragic incidents, Crosthwaite & Lyth Parish Council have called on the Highways Agency to install a roundabout at the junction to prevent accidents being caused by vehicles trying to join the lanes of speeding traffic.

Research from the Economic and Social Data Service shows that from 1999-2010 117 people have died on the roads inSouth Lakeland. Following the death of 41-year-old mum Michelle Jurd in 2009 after a lorry collision atFoulshaw Lane, in October Judge Barbara Foster called on authorities to improve the junction:

"The actual lay-out of the road is a serious contributory factor to this accident and, indeed, to the previous one. I hope the highways authorities will consider very carefully that road layout and whether alterations should be made."

Tim has invited the Roads Minister Mike Penning to come and see the A590 and meet with residents and local Parish Councils. The meeting will happen in the next couple of months.

Following the parish council's recommendation Tim, who has consistently campaigned for improvements to road safety on the A590, said: "We need to improve the A590 urgently. The government and the Highways Agency must now listen to local people and prepare to take real affirmative action to protect drivers, cyclists and pedestrians along a road that has seen too many tragedies in the recent past."