'Kamikaze Island' set for transformation as 20mph speed limit proposed

A busy roundabout and transport junction branded 'Kamikaze Island' is set to be transformed after new plans were approved for the Southport Eastern Access Improvements Scheme (SEAIS). Safety issues at the roundabout also prompted calls for a 20mph speed limit to be imposed on the roads leading into Kew roundabout.

Sefton Council's Licensing & Regulatory Committee convened at Bootle Town Hall tonight to consider the latest SEAIS proposals. Councillors were presented with a report from Lead Officer, Andrew Dunsmore recommending the SEAIS be approved ahead of phase one works planned for January 2025.

SEAIS aims to improve the road and pedestrian network between the town centre and the Southport Road border - including Kew Roundabout, Southport Road, Foul Lane, Scarisbrick New Road and Norwood Road.

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According to Sefton Council, the main benefits of the SEAIS would tackle congestion on key routes, ease instances of 'rat running' and improve walking and cycling links to the town centre. Furthermore, the local authority believes an improved street scene and transport network will be vital to the town's growth plans and a boost to its visitor economy.

Improvements to Southport's eastern travel routes have been the subject of discussion since the 1960s, but Sefton Council's Transport Planning team have been actively working on formal plans since 2016. One of the main aspects of the scheme is the transformation of Kew roundabout which has long been a source of frustration for motorists in Southport.

Cllr Mike Morris is the elected councillor for Cambridge ward in Southport and he raised some safety issues about the plans for Kew roundabout. Responding to Mr Dunsmore's report, he said: "I'm broadly in favour of these proposals however, I do have great concerns over the Kew roundabout side of it - it's Kamikaze Island.

"When you're coming into it, you're doing 30mph, and then all of a sudden you've got cyclists or pedestrians. I would be supportive of it if it was moved further back from the junctions."

Discussions around the safety of Kew roundabout and surrounding junctions led to a question from the Licensing & Regulatory committee chair, cllr John Kelly. Addressing Mr Dunsmore, cllr Kelly asked: "Have you looked at reducing the speed limit to 20mph on those roads?"

Mr Dunsmore confirmed a 20mph speed limit was not part of the current proposals, but conceded it could be an option and something which would need further public consultation.