One of Derby’s busiest roundabouts branded ‘unsafe’ by local councillors
An urgent investigation is being called for
One of Derby’s busiest roundabouts has been branded ‘unsafe’ and ‘no longer fit for its traffic level’ – sparking calls for an urgent investigation.
Serious safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians have been raised at Palm Court Island, which serves both sides of the A38, Darley Abbey and Duffield Road.
Councillors in Allestree say they receive constant reports of “near-misses and damage to barriers and signage”.
They claim “repeated incidents” now require an in-depth highways review by Derby City Council to take place.
However, the authority says its latest data shows “no reported accidents involving pedestrians” and there are no immediate plans for work.
But the council added Palm Court was on its long-term list of sites to be considered for future improvements.
The island is a major traffic hotspot in Derby. But councillors claim the problems are not solely down to “driver error” with visibility and pedestrian safety common issues.
“There are hazardous crossing points on the exits, limited sight lines, and very poor pedestrian accessibility in what is a consistently busy area,” Councillor Steve Hassall said.
“Visibility is a persistent problem. We repeatedly have to request that shrubs and vegetation are cut back just so drivers and pedestrians can see clearly.
“The frequency of collisions suggests this is not simply driver error. It points to a layout that is no longer fit for the level of traffic and pedestrian movement it now carries. “
Traffic levels at the roundabout could be pressurised further in the long term when major work to upgrade the A38 begins.
Last year the Government confirmed major plans to widen the busy Derby route and build flyovers and underpasses at three key junctions were given the go-ahead.
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said she was expecting to receive an update about the huge project in March with costs and timescales currently unknown.
Mr Hassall added: “This is a heavily used junction serving nearby housing, shops and key routes, and it needs better pedestrian accessibility and clearer, safer visibility as a priority. At the moment, we are reacting to collisions rather than preventing them.”
In response, a spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “The safety of all road users is a priority, and we have previously taken action at Palm Court roundabout to address local concerns. Following feedback from ward councillors in 2017, we installed a central island on Duffield Road to provide a safer crossing point for pedestrians.
“Our latest accident data from 2021 to 2024 shows no reported accidents involving pedestrians during this period and a small number of minor vehicle collisions.
“To significantly change the pedestrian movement at this location, a full scheme involving traffic lights and formal crossing points would be required. While there are currently no immediate plans for this work, Palm Court remains on our long-term list of sites to be considered for future improvements.”
The council wished to note that visibility restrictions are “intentionally” used at junctions like Palm Court to encourage slower, more cautious driving.