Coalville county councillor Craig Smith has highlighted the dangers to motorists at two busy junctions on the A511.

Cllr Smith has written to County Highways to raise the road safety issues - saying that one turning has claimed six fatalities in the past 10 years.

He has contacted Cllr Ozzy O'Shea, lead member fort Highways at Leicestershire County Council, regarding the Thornborough Road Approach to McDonald's Roundabout, and the Stephenson Industrial Estate Junction onto the A511.

Cllr Smith emphasises he has repeatedly pointed out, over four years, flaws in the two junctions which, he says, have caused collisions and, in some cases, deaths.

His open letter to Cllr O'Shea reads: "Several years ago, the approach to the McDonald's roundabout from Thornborough Road (town direction) was altered from a two-lane to a three-lane approach, despite no widening of the junction. 

"This change has led to frequent collisions, as there simply isn't enough space for three vehicles to exit safely at the same time, confounded by the pelican crossing immediately to the left on the A511. 

"Just yesterday, another accident occurred, requiring hours of police time and causing significant congestion during rush hour. This issue could be resolved quickly and cost-effectively by reinstating the two-lane approach through a simple change to the road markings.

Coalville North councillor Craig Smith. Photo: Supplied

"In addition to making the island safer for users, it would also ease the flow of traffic. I urge the Highways department to consider this as a top priority."

The letter then addresses the Stephenson Industrial Estate Junction onto the A511.

Cllr Smith writes: "This junction poses an even more serious safety concern. 

"Over the past decade, I am aware of at least six fatalities here, one of which I personally responded to, administering CPR at the scene. 

"In addition, there have been numerous serious collisions that have resulted in severe injuries and placed a heavy burden on emergency services. 

"The core issue is vehicles attempting to turn right onto the fast-moving A511. While the speed limit is 50mph, we know that in reality, vehicles often exceed this. 

"Even at the correct speed, the road width makes it difficult for drivers to judge the time needed to cross safely, especially for oncoming HGVs, which struggle to slow down quickly enough. 

"With the current expansion of the industrial estate, the problem is only going to get worse. The estate has only one exit, and at peak times, queues of up to 30 minutes are already forming. 

"I raised this concern during the planning consultation phase, but my objections were not taken into account. So far this year, there have been three serious accidents at this junction, and without intervention, more will inevitably follow. 

Cllr Smith points out there have been six fatalities in 10 years at the Stephenson Industrial Estate Junction. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

"The most effective and immediate solution would be to make this exit left-turn only. This change could be implemented cost-effectively as part of the A511 road improvement project scheduled for early next year. 

"I would really appreciate your support in addressing these critical safety issues and look forward to receiving the response from officers. I am also happy to arrange site visits with the relevant highways team to discuss solutions in person."