Traffic-calming measures have made a notorious accident black spot safer, it has been claimed.

Rumble strips placed on the approach to the junction of Zuill’s Park Road and South Shore Road in Smith’s have slowed traffic significantly, according to Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister for Public Works.

Mirrors have also increased visibility in both directions for motorists turning on to South Shore Road from Zuill’s Park Road, the minister said.

Responding to questions from Cole Simons, the Leader of the Opposition, Colonel Burch told the House of Assembly: “The newly installed rumble strips coming down the hill have proven tremendously successful.

“In addition, [construction firm] MPW shifted the turning lane on Zuill’s Park Road over to the east, and installed two mirrors across the road.

“We trust that in the long term the data will show that the traffic-calming measures which we have already put in place have met this duty — a large part of the issue was the speed in which vehicles approached the intersection from the west.

“This comes down to human behaviour even on our roads — a nut that many of us will find hard to crack.”

Mr Burch said that a further safety improvement at the site — reducing the height of a wall and hedge to improve visibility — had yet to be corrected because of a dispute between residents.

“I mentioned a number of possible solutions, some of them requiring the co-operation of a landowner,” Mr Burch said.

“Unfortunately agreements couldn’t be reached with the landowner, resulting in the reserving of the process.

“There appears to be a longstanding dispute between the landowner and some of the residents of Zuill’s Park Road that has led to a lack of co-operation.

“We’re seeking legal advice from the Attorney-General regarding our legal liability to enforce restrictions on the hedge.”