How Many More Accidents?

How many more accidents will it take before Telford and Wrekin Council acts?

Old Park Roundabout has seen more than 10 accidents —yet a promised safety overhaul is nowhere in sight, despite the council’s 2024 deadline. With 1,000+ accidents recorded since 1999 around Telford —and gaps in the data hiding the true toll—residents are demanding answers. From school runs to commutes, every delay puts lives at risk. So why is the council silent?

When it comes to public safety, especially on our roads, we all expect our local council to put residents first. But recent findings and a troubling track record at Old Park suggest Telford and Wrekin Council might not be living up to that responsibility.

A History of Accidents—But How Many, Really?

Let’s start with the numbers. Since 1999, there have been approximately 1,000 accidents recorded around Telford. It’s important to note that this figure only covers incidents up to 2023. Several key accidents and incidents since then are missing from the official records—meaning the true toll is even higher.

The Shropshire Star recently reported on the roundabouts across Telford with the most accidents. Their research put Ketley Dingle at the top, with 11 recorded accidents.

But these numbers prompted us to dig deeper. We conducted our own research, focusing on the routes most used by local residents—in, out, and through our patch of Telford. We also included two traffic-light-controlled junctions that feature heavily in residents’ daily routines.

Here’s what we found:

Old Park Roundabout: 10 accidents

Old Park Way/Mossey Green Way Roundabout: 4 accidents

M54 Junction 6 (Lawley to Wrekin Retail Park): 15 accidents

Whitchurch Drive Roundabout (Wrekin Retail Park): 10 accidents

Cock Hotel Traffic Lights (Watling Street): 12 accidents

Waterloo Road/B5061 (Crispy Cod): 7 accidents

Each of these figures represents real incidents—real people, real injuries, and real concerns.

Promises Made, Promises Broken?

The dangers of Old Park Roundabout aren’t news to the community. Before the new Lidl supermarket was even granted planning permission near Old Park Roundabout, locals launched a campaign demanding improved safety schemes for both drivers and pedestrians at this critical junction.

And the council’s response? Telford and Wrekin Council promised The Green Party to unveil a new safety scheme by late 2024. Yet here we are, halfway through 2025, and the scheme is nowhere to be seen. Residents are still waiting, and the silence from the council is deafening.

Why the Delay?

Behind the scenes, campaigners are working tirelessly to hold the council to its word. But each day without action increases the risk for everyone who uses these roads—parents taking children to school, workers heading to their jobs, older residents out for shopping or appointments, and it will only get worse with more housing developments reaching fruition and the opening of Lidl.

Every accident is a reminder that these aren’t just numbers—they’re our neighbours, friends, and family. And every delay in improving safety features is a missed opportunity to prevent future tragedies.

Time for Accountability

So, we have to ask: Is Telford and Wrekin Council really doing enough to protect us? With a history of accidents, incomplete records, and unfulfilled promises, it’s time for the council to step up. Residents deserve clear answers, swift action, and safer streets—not more delays and excuses.

They could adopt the same tactics as Bristol Council, where The Green Party has adopted "Vision Zero" based on a successful scheme of road safety in Sweden. In Oxford too, The Green Party is also being recognised for its public engagement on road safety issues.

It’s not just about statistics—it’s about lives. The people of Telford are watching and waiting. The question is, how much longer will we have to wait before safety becomes the priority it should have always been?


Sources:

CrashMapUK

Vision Zero

CoHSAT Analysis


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