extent of the problem, says a local politician.

Police have revealed only nine accidents were reported at or near the road's busy junction with Collectors Hill in the 12 months to yesterday. The figure appears to show the accident rate slowing down.

But lawyer Mr. Trevor Moniz, adopted UBP candidate for Smith's South, which includes the junction, says the figure underestimates its true danger. He believes far more accidents are happening than are actually reported.

"Everyone I meet says it's an absolute miracle there hasn't been a serious accident there,'' said Mr. Moniz, of Pigeon Berry Lane. "This figure shows how cautious people are driving through there. Sooner or later there will be a very serious accident.'' Police figures show that between November, 1987, and July, 1991, there were 50 reported accidents in the area of the junction, which has become congested with customers of roadside businesses. In 1991, there were 19.

The nine accidents in the past 12 months include three single vehicle incidents involving tourists on bikes. But Mr. Moniz believes these too are related to the problems of the area.

"Single vehicle accidents are often caused by traffic congestion,'' he said.

"They don't know how to respond and then they panic and lose control of the bike. It concerns me that there are so many accidents.'' One of the nine recent accidents involved two cars colliding because one driver could not see past a van parked on the road -- one of the problems highlighted by local residents. But none of the accidents was serious.

Mr. Moniz has asked Police for an officer to direct traffic at the junction during rush hours, but was told by Deputy Commissioner Alex Forbes this was impossible because of cutbacks.

A Works and Engineering plan to make the area safer is expected by the end of the year, but residents want it made a priority.