Calls to lower speed limit on ‘disastrous’ A16 roundabout at Spalding

A campaigner has called for the speed limit to be reduced on a newly-completed roundabout - to make crossing safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Concerns have been raised regarding the widening work completed by Lincolnshire County Council at Spalding’s Springfields Roundabout, part of a £20 million Levelling Up project.

Campaigners have also highlighted concerns including the safety of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road and speed limits on the roundabout - with a lowered speed limit being suggested.

“It’s disastrous,” said George Scott, of the Spalding and Peterborough Transport Forum.

“It’s not well planned. I’ve heard reports from people that lorries are cutting them off at the roundabout because they’re in the wrong lane.

“I can’t see the point of that. I can’t see any improvements at all, and people are telling me there will be an accident there shortly.”

Mr Scott also highlighted the dangers of pedestrians and cyclists attempting the cross the A16 at the roundabout - often to reach the town’s McDonald’s restaurant - especially now the exit roads have been widened and extended.

“Crossing there if you’re a cyclist is rather dangerous,” he continued.

“There’s no provision to cross the road.”

David Jones of cycling action group PEDALS echoed Mr Scott’s thoughts, highlighting the scheme’s original plans to include a footbridge, which were scrapped due to costs.

“Of course they should have built the bridge over the roundabout, despite the practical difficulties,” he wrote in a letter to LincsOnline.

Mr Jones also fears that the 60mph signs that greet motorists on the A151 approaching the roundabout from Holbeach Road will encourage them to speed.

“It would be more sensible to have a 30mph or even 20mph limit on the roundabout, which would certainly be safer (subject to enforcement),” he said.

“Especially when McDonald’s re-opens (the restaurant re-opened last week, after Mr Jones’ letter was sent) and many children and young people will be trying to cross the A16 with its extra lane.

“Yes, traffic is flowing more freely on the A16 now, but little thought has been given to users of the A151, whether drivers, cyclists or pedestrians.

“Lorry drivers seem to need to straddle the lanes, especially when turning left off the southbound A16 towards Weston, and some of them mount the kerb when doing so; this will do nothing to improve the appearance of the road layout.”

The widening project is part of a £20 million Levelling Up improvement scheme along the A16 which includes the Greencell roundabout at Pinchbeck and Marsh Lane roundabout at Boston.

Coun Richard Davies, LCC’s executive member for highways, said: "Similar to any other new changes to road layout, people are still getting used to the way the improved roundabout operates.

“In the meantime, we encourage anyone using the newly-improved Springfield Roundabout to follow the road signs and lane designations relevant to where they are travelling.

“We also encourage drivers, as well as pedestrians and cyclists, to be aware of other vehicles already on the roundabout as they may not be signalling correctly or at all - or not travelling in the correct lane.

“We also ask anyone wanting to propose changes to speed limits to contact their local county councillor in the first instance.

“This will ensure their request is taken through the proper internal channels for consideration.”

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