Wokingham Borough Council has said that ‘all roads can be described as accidents waiting to happen’ after residents raised concerns of the new markings of California Cross.
The reopened intersection between Finchampstead Road and Nine Mile Ride had been closed for construction since February, with the aim to make the shopping-hub more pedestrian-friendly.
Most recently, the council shared new ‘leaf’ road markings of the main roundabout, intended to ‘encourage drivers to move slowly’.
But it the unveiling was received poorly by many residents – with hundreds expressing concern over road safety.
Some commented that it ‘looked like a playground’, while other said it would confuse drivers and was an ‘accident waiting to happen’.
Addressing these concerns, Wokingham Borough councillor Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways said: “All roads can be described as ‘accidents waiting to happen’, because accidents happen on all roads.
“But the new design will slow drivers down by making it very obvious that they are entering an area with a lot of pedestrians.”
Cllr Fishwick added that the road markings had been planned right from the beginning and were subject to public consultation.
The new California Crossroads are designed to ‘making the area a more pleasant place village centre environment for pedestrians and cyclists while keeping the traffic moving’, according to the executive member.
This is making improvements on ‘confusing and unsightly clutter’, around the former-mini roundabouts.
The markings have been designed to make the pedestrian crossings with a ‘striking large white leaf patter, complemented by smaller coloured leaves on the approaches.
Cllr Fishwick said: “There are always concerns when a new junction layout is introduced and we understand that, but this scheme has followed Department for Transport safety standards throughout and, as long as drivers are careful and follow the highway code as they should, the junction will be as safe as any other.”
He continued that ‘pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders need to be sensible as well’.
Wokingham Borough Council has confirmed there is no plans to introduce a zebra crossing at this time, after the scheme has gone through extensive consultation.
Reviews of road safety are completed regularly, and the council will consider potential changes if required in the future.
