A decision to spend £392,000 of public money on roadworks which have led to an accident blackspot has been criticised.

The Comet: There was a three-car collision at the junction of Graveley Road and North Road in Graveley last Tuesday (March 4) credit: @AmboOfficerThere was a three-car collision at the junction of Graveley Road and North Road in Graveley last Tuesday (March 4) credit: @AmboOfficer (Image: Archant)

Changes were made to the layout of the junction of Graveley Road and North Road near Graveley in May 2012.

Work carried out included widening High Street to provide a left turn for vehicles turning into North Road; widening the North Road approach to provide two lanes at the Give Way sign, and a traffic island at the head of the right turn lane on the main route through the junction.

Since the new layout there have been numerous accidents, with a reported four collisions last week alone.

As a condition of the planning permission for the major Lister Hospital development in Stevenage, the East and North Herts NHS Trust had to pay £392,000 for the junction works, and is currently responsible for its maintenance.

Peter Bracey, chairman of Graveley Parish Council, said: ”I’m astounded they would spend that amount of health money on something that doesn’t work,” he said. “It’s more dangerous since the work was carried out.”

Driver Andy Kalek said: “You have to feel sorry for the Trust. Not only do they have responsibility for this junction, but they also have to attend and treat the injuries it contributes to.”

Last month, the Comet reported how drivers and the parish council are calling for something to be done before someone is killed.

A Trust spokesman said: “The plans were prepared in accordance with standard highways guidance. They were approved by the county council.

“Without making those changes to the junction, people would not have had access to £150 million of investment going into the Lister Hospital.”

A spokesman for Herts County Council said recommendations to improve the junction have resulted from a safety audit, including cutting back vegetation, replacing signs and providing an additional Give Way sign, and amending the road markings.

The Trust said its contractor will carry these out on receiving approval.