More than a thousands residents have called for improvements to be made at a junction which has been described as looking like a ‘playground’.
California Crossroads in Finchampstead underwent a £5.5 million improvement scheme last year.
The reopened intersection between Finchampstead Road and Nine Mile Ride was closed between February and September 2024 with the aim to make the shopping-hub more pedestrian-friendly.
But the completion of the project, which saw ‘leaf’ road markings of the main roundabout was met with criticism from locals who said the design made the junction ‘look like a playground’, and was an ‘accident waiting to happen’.
Wokingham Borough Council said the design was intended to ‘encourage drivers to move slowly’ and was in line with government highways standards.
Now, more than a thousand people have signed a petition calling for a zebra crossing and roundabout to be painted to ‘reduce the risk of a serious accident’.
The petition, signed by 1,446 people, was presented by Conservative Councillor Peter Harper to full council last night (January 23).
Councillor Harper said: “Many residents have contacted me about the unconventional road marking and their personal experience of the risk of using the junction.
“Standard road markings for a roundabout have not been applied meaning motorists are unsure how to negotiate the junction…they do not consistently give pedestrians priority to cross the road.”
A road safety audit report published this month recommended ‘appropriate mini-roundabout central island road markings’ be added to the junction, which was rejected by the council.
The “concentric pattern is enough to encourage drivers around the junction without them assuming everyone will do the same”, the report concluded.
Defending the plans, executive member for business and economic improvement Mark Ashwell said the Conservatives were presenting a ‘narrative’ on the scheme, which was approved by their administration.
The Liberal Democrat said: “A six month pursuit of a petition to affect changes to a new traffic works has had a negative affect to our retail hub – this narrative has been a hindrance to our businesses.”
Businesses including Londis, Jat’s Pharmacy and Creswell’s Garages reported a 50 to 60 per cent reduction in trade during disruptions.
Cllr Ashwell added: “There is an extremely strong community in Finchampstead that supports its businesses in California and I’m personally determined to work with them to make the most of their newly enhanced centre.”
Executive member for highways and active travel Martin Alder added the design was an ‘innovative solution’ and something ‘we can all be proud of’.
