SAFETY campaigners have urged transport bosses to listen to residents’ concerns over the notorious A590.

The plea comes after the Highways Agency published an interim report into its management of the accident-prone trunk road following a consultation last November.

It was held amid growing concerns about safety on the busy route, which has seen dozens of fatal accidents in recent years.

The report outlines the views of residents – including: the need for a roundabout at Foulshaw Lane near Levens; poor visibility at Force Lane, also Levens; the need for better signage and a reduction in the speed limit to 50mph along the Newby Bridge to Ulverston section.

Government Transport Minister Mike Penning is due to visit in May and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron wants him to take into account issues in the report.

“This is an important step in the right direction towards helping to make the A590 safer,” said Mr Farron.

“It is essential that both the Highways Agency and Mike Penning listen to local people and prepare to take real action to protect drivers, cyclists and pedestrians along a road that has seen too many tragedies in the recent past.”

Backbarrow resident Sue Sanderson said the A590 ‘divided communities’ and essential improvements must be made.

“Local people’s views have to be taken into account; we are the ones who travel on this road every day,” she said. “The speed and volume of traffic creates considerable hazards particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles that have to access local villages and hamlets.”

The Highways Agency said it was working on proposals to address safety issues at Greenodd by replacing the T-junction with a roundabout, subject to funding.

But John Watson, vice chairman of Levens Parish Council, said suggestions he put forward would not be expensive.

“My general impression was that the meeting was pretty negative,” said Mr Watson. “I identified about six safety issues which could be easily remedied at low cost.”

His ideas include making HGVs turn left only from Foulshaw Lane. It would mean they would not be able to cut across the carriageway.