An 85-year-old campaigner concerned about a 'dangerous' city roundabout carried out his own traffic survey as he renewed urgent calls for a crash barrier to protect vulnerable pedestrians.

Alec Mackie raised the issue of the safety of the Ketch roundabout at a meeting of St Peter's Parish Council.

Worcester News: WORRY: Alec Mackie wants pedestrians to be protected as well if not better than this pylon just off the Ketch roundabout on the A38 in Worcester WORRY: Alec Mackie wants pedestrians to be protected as well if not better than this pylon just off the Ketch roundabout on the A38 in Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

"I know of a couple who are scared to drive on the Ketch roundabout - they don't dare," said the former journalist and press officer.

Mr Mackie previously expressed concerns about the safety of pedestrians on the footpath next to the Ketch.

He said a pylon, protected by a metal barrier and a brick wall lined with concrete, is afforded more protection than walkers.  

Worcester News: CONTACT: Alec Mackie has also contacted the police and crime commissioner John Campion (pictured here) and his department to see what can be done about the Ketch roundabout CONTACT: Alec Mackie has also contacted the police and crime commissioner John Campion (pictured here) and his department to see what can be done about the Ketch roundabout (Image: Supplied)

Mr Mackie said he and others feel 'defenceless' at a spot where HGVs hurtle past and several cars have left the road as calls are made for barriers to be installed. 

He said: "I did make a forceful address to the members of the parish council in respect of safety concerns which I share with my neighbours about the current situation at the Ketch roundabout, namely the need for a crash barrier."

He said the parish council agreed to take up the matter.

He also believes the safety of drivers is at stake, particularly those turning left onto the A38 from the Carrington Bridge. Mr Mackie maintains the speed of advancing traffic from the Kempsey direction remains a safety issue to traffic turning left or going straight on at the roundabout.

He did his own 'off peak' 15-minute traffic survey, counting 227 vehicles in that time including cars, motorbikes, vans and HGVs on Thursday between 2.10pm and 2.25pm.

Mr Mackie has also been in touch with West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner to explore the possibility of funding to support extra safety measures. 

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said it offered to investigate an alternative route for the cycleway.

"Any such change would be subject to a suitable alternative route being identified and there being no significant objections from cyclists. Some minor changes to road markings were made at the roundabout following recent improvement works, which the Parish Council was also made aware of.

"The design of the roundabout has been subject to a rigorous Road Safety Audit process, however, we always keep these things under review.”

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A spokesperson for the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner said it passed information onto West Mercia Police’s Road Safety Team, who said it is an issue for Worcestershire County Council to review.

"The PCC’s Road Safety Fund is open totalling £250,000. £100,000 of that pot is allocated for road safety signs, speed indicator devices, vehicle activated signs and street furniture - these must be supplemented with evidence of authorisation from the local authority.

"The remaining £150,000 is available for initiatives that benefit as much as West Mercia as possible."

They recommended Mr Mackie contact Worcestershire County Council to see if they would support his request.