A consultation period has begun whereas upon completion the road traffic department of the central government will permanently close Access and egress of two popular routes off the roundabout on the N-332 at La Zenia.
The consultation document is available for viewing in the Playa Flemenca town hall, on the public notice board, indicating that the action is to take place as the site has seen a total of 44 accidents during a two year period, 11 of which have resulted in accident victims, with 16 people being treated for minor injuries.
At a location where The Leader newspaper offices were previously located, we can hold testament to the fact that the roundabout is an accident black spot, but closing these roads will not necessarily reduced the problems where the accidents occur.
On the one side of the roundabout, the road which runs past Fresco and Compured computers to the taxi rank is affected, and on the other side, the sloped road which runs alongside the car park access to a residential building and to the beach underpass, a favourite location of the Guardia Civil spot checks. Both of these roads will be close completely both leading onto and off the roundabout.
As the move is currently in a period of consultation, it is open for opposition from residents and business owners. If you would like to consult and offer your opinions for consideration, this can be done by writing to the ministerial department, in Spanish, and offering your reasons for objection.
For its part, although they have no direct power, the Orihuela local council are proposing not closing the roads completely, but rather making them one direction to allow access off the roundabout, as well as providing a change to traffic flow on the road behind Consum and the construction of a mini roundabout at the crossroads at the far end of Consum where countless drivers persistently ignore the road signs and insist on carrying out illegal moves such as turning left towards the Villamartin direction.
The consultation period is only a short length of time however, and will close on the 19th of January. Your opposition must be received before that time, or it will be considered invalid.
As always, staff within the International residents office will be able to point you in the direction of the document and, although the town hall is powerless and unable to get directly involved, they will assist you in any way they can, as is the case with any other issues relating to such matters.
Source: The Leader