Motorists have taken aim at a new junction redesign which cost £5.5million amid claims it looks like a “playground” and could distract motorists from focusing on the road ahead.
The California Crossroads Improvement Project was undertaken by Wokingham Borough Council in Berkshire and saw the redesign of a “key junction” in the town.
As part of the redevelopment, a “refreshing transformation” can now be seen with white leaves replacing traditional, thick white lines at crossings across the road.
The road is also emblazoned with multicoloured leaves where a mini roundabout was previously seen, which has prompted ire from local councillors and drivers.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing[email protected]
A petition has been launched for the area to be repainted
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL
The redesign, which took place between February and September last year, aims to make the area more accessible for pedestrians with a non-standardised view of how road markings are usually seen.
Wokingham Borough Council first outlined the plans 10 years ago, saying that the California Cross could deliver “an attractive environment and a vibrant and viable local centre at the heart of the community”.
The council has acknowledged that the construction has caused “some concerns and frustrations”, but maintained that the new layout will provide benefits for the area.
Raised tables have also been added on all four arms leading to the junction in a bid to improve pedestrian safety and encourage vehicles to drive slower.
The redesign cost an estimated £5.5million
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL
The council reminded all road users that standard Highway Code rules apply despite the new design of the road markings.
In response, Peter Harper, a Conservative councillor representing Finchampstead, launched a petition saying that the road markings, which do not align with those included in the Highway Code, are “causing confusion amongst drivers and pedestrians”.
He added: “The inclusion of raised platforms was to slow traffic on the approach to the junction but these are too low to be effective, allowing cars to negotiate the junction at high speed.”
The petition calls for Wokingham Borough Council to paint traditional roundabouts and zebra crossings on the junction, as well as raising the speed bumps to have a proper impact on the speed of traffic.
The council has called on drivers to adhere to the Highway Code
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL
The petition has received almost 1,500 signatures, with Harper noting that the issue would be discussed at the next meeting of the Wokingham Borough committee responsible for roads.
The road markings have been met with intense backlash on social media, with local drivers fuming on Facebook that the council had gone ahead with the £5.5million redevelopment.
One concerned resident said: “Looks like a playground!! So deadly for children who are going to think they can play in the road.”
Another added: “And you are proud of this? Turning a busy road junction (that largely worked) into a children’s playground.
“It is total carnage, cars and lorries driving straight across any which way they feel like. Heaven help anyone ‘passing through’ or new to the area. An accident waiting to happen.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The scheme meets the Department for Transport’s specifications for road markings
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL
A spokesperson for the council said: “The California Crossroads improvement work is making the area a more pleasant place for pedestrians and cyclists while keeping the traffic moving.
“There are always concerns when the new junction layout is introduced. The scheme has followed Department for Transport safety standards throughout.
“As long as drivers are careful and follow the Highway Code as they should, the junction will be as safe as any other.”