ACCIDENT hot-spots in Blackpool are being targeted as part of a £1.2 million plan to make roads safer.

Phase one of Blackpool Borough Council's Plymouth Road Integrated Transport Scheme got under way this week -- as work began to install traffic lights at the infamous Plymouth Road roundabout where St Walburgas Road meets with Garstang Road in Layton.

Blackpool road safety officer Carol Bracegirdle explained the importance of the new scheme: "The roundabout is very busy and there have been a lot of accidents around there in the past. It is a route for six schools and a main road. St Mary's High School is also at the top of St Walburgas Road which means there are lots of children crossing these roads."

Sgt Peter Blackburn of Blackpool's road policing unit also commented: "We are hoping that the scheme will improve road safety standards in this area and I believe the ultimate benefits will far out-weigh any disruption caused by the road works."

Speed limits have also been enforced by the police on St Walburgas Road and on Preston New Road which have been labelled as accident hot-spots. Speed limits have been dropped from 40mph to 30mph in certain areas on both roads.

Carol Bracegridle said of the new limits: "The reduction of the speed limits will undoubtedly have a positive effect on road safety in the area."

The schemes' main aims are to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, reduce crashes, improve public transport facilities, provide safer routes to school, improve air quality, reduce journey times and improve road and footway surfaces on various roads and roundabouts that lead off the busy Plymouth Road roundabout.

Work will be carried out in three phases to minimise the disruption. It is all expected to be completed by June this year.

The traffic lights that are presently being installed at the Plymouth Road roundabout are to incorporate pedestrian and cycle facilities and will also include resurfacing works.

Phase two of the plan is expected to start next month and involves a road widening scheme and installation of traffic lights on Bispham and Plymouth Road at the Plymouth Road roundabout that leads to Broderick Avenue.

Finally, phase three will start in April and involves the Poulton Road roundabout to Mansfield Road. Again this will see the introduction of traffic lights, pedestrian crossing facilities and resurfacing works.

While disruption and delays are expected throughout the period Blackpool Borough Council are advocating that efforts will be made to minimise this and apologise for any inconvenience that the road works may cause. If you have any further queries about the work call (01253) 476161.