A high risk collision site on the A574 has been made safer thanks to the installation of environmentally friendly Green Screens. The 6ft (1.8m) screens have been installed on the approach to the roundabout at the junction of Birchwood Way and Woolston Grange Avenue and mean that approaching vehicles must slow down when approaching the roundabout.

Tom Cowie, Collision Investigation Assistant Engineer for Warrington Borough Council explains the thinking behind the new road safety measure: “The roundabout is large and many motorists approaching from the direction of the M6 do so at speed because they have such a broad view and are over-confident about the ease with which they can join traffic on the roundabout. Unfortunately, this over-confidence has resulted in collisions when motorists have misjudged this manoeuvre. There have also been many occasions when vehicles on the approach to the roundabout have had to stop suddenly, causing following vehicles to collide with them.

“The Green Screens, which are essentially wire fencing covered with ivy, serve to obstruct the view of the roundabout as motorists approach, which encourages them to slow down. This technique is becoming an increasingly commonplace and effective way of reducing collisions at similar locations across the UK.”

Warrington Borough Council chose the Green Screens over traditional wooden fencing or walling because the screens offer environmental benefits and require minimal maintenance.

Speaking about the installation, Sean Farrell of Mobilane said: “Green Screens have obvious environmental benefits over other barrier solutions. All foliage helps to improve air quality, while the ivy used in the Screens is very attractive to birds and insects, so the Screens serve a very important environmental function as well as a road safety function. As they mature they will make the entire area more attractive and will help the council towards its goal of better road safety and a better environment.”