A COUNCILLOR has called for a review of a road labelled the most dangerous in Banbury after a pensioner’s death.

Last Wednesday, a 92-year-old man died of natural causes when his silver Vauxhall Astra collided with a Citroen Xsara Picasso at about 9am in Bankside.

Investigating officer PC David Rose, who is appealing for witnesses, said: “The Picasso was heading towards Bodicote and the Astra towards Chatsworth Drive when the collision happened.

“I appeal to anyone who might have seen the collision, or the cars being driven beforehand, to contact me.”

Banbury resident Scott Adams has criticised current traffic calming measures saying they do not work.

Chicanes were installed along the busy road more than 15 years ago after residents complained about speeding cars.

The county council has since reviewed the area after new low-level buses had problems negotiating the chicanes, and adjustments were made.

But Mr Adams believes the chicanes should be scrapped and replaced with speed bumps.

He said: “I wish to highlight what is possibly the most dangerous road in Banbury.

“After yet another accident, one only has to drive along Bankside to see for yourself how dangerous it is.

“Even though you may have priority, nearly always the other oncoming vehicle will try to race you and get through the chicane first.

“If they don’t make it they either end up slamming the brakes on, skidding into the signpost or chicane itself, or even worse hitting the other vehicle head on.

“This is not only selfish and inconsiderate but totally dangerous — as has been shown.

“All the chicanes have been damaged, various signposts have been hit, street lights damaged and skid marks on the road at various places.

“This is due to the totally ineffective traffic calming measures that have been implemented by Oxfordshire County Council in the way of chicanes “Surely a more effective solution to slow down traffic would be to have speed bumps or sleeping policemen along this road.

“That way the traffic will continue to flow but it will also stop the ‘let’s race through and cut the other car up’ attitude of the inconsiderate and selfish drivers that are on it.”

Mr Adams believes Wednesday’s crash may have been prevented if different traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, were in place.

Kieron Mallon, county councillor for Cherwell Heights, said he previously offered to meet Mr Adams to discuss problems in the area, but he had declined.

He said: “What I will do through the Banbury traffic advisory committee, and as the local member, is to ask the county council for a further review of the traffic calming measures in Bankside.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision should call PC Rose via 08458 505505, or anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.