PRESTON'S major bus company has drawn up a hit-list of black-spots which it says need to be eradicated if the town's accident record is to improve.

Preston Bus Ltd, which carries around 90 per cent of public transport users, listed the five areas after a damning report by Lancashire Police which blamed the firm for most of the town's bus accidents over the past year.

The company claimed the report was unfair, saying it was a victim of its own policy of reporting all accidents. And it said it was determined to reduce its involvement in any accidents which were the fault of its drivers.

Peter Bell, Preston Bus' managing director, cited the five areas as: Church Street and Church Row; Percy Street; St Paul's Road; Watling Street Road; and Cottam Lane.

He said: "The town's accident black-spots include Church Street and Church Row, where motorists frequently pull into the path of buses. Stop signs should be erected.

"In Percy Street, which is a one-way street, drivers often drive the wrong way or pull across in front of buses. Chevrons would solve the problem.

"In St Paul's Road, chaotic driving is caused because too many people illegally park. If parking laws were enforced more effectively, it would be a safer road.

"We also fear that the part of Watling Street Road with chicanes is an accident waiting to happen.

"There have already been a number of accidents, not as yet involving buses. There is a general problem with motorists racing to beat on-coming buses to the chicanes."

And he added: "In Cottam Lane, we experience accidents as our buses cross to or from Pedders Lane and when cars make a right turn towards Blackpool across the path of our buses. The junction is a tricky one and some special measures may be required.

"The council's help in addressing these accident danger spots could certainly help reduce passenger injuries."

A council spokesman said: "Their points have been noted and where appropriate action can be taken it will be progressed."

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