Ring road roundabout is an ‘absolute nightmare’
RESDIENTS SAY THREE LANES HAVE MADE ROAD TOO FAST AND MARKINGS ARE NOT CLEAR ENOUGH
RESIDENTS and motorists have spoken of their experience of using a busy Nottingham roundabout which they have described as “an accident waiting to happen”.
Back in 2015, work on a new three-lane roundabout at the junction of Hucknall Road and Valley Road, outside Nottingham City Hospital began as part of the £16.2 million ring road project.
At the time Nottingham City Council described the Ring Road works as “essential”, with the route described as the city’s busiest – it is used by more than 50,000 residents, visitors and businesses every day.
The decision was met with mixed views, but the majority of people in the area today say it has become ever more “chaotic” as the years have gone on.
From dangerous drivers and faded road markings to pedestrian crossings, it has been described as “an accident waiting to happen”.
Neil Power-hull, who has lived in the area for the past 19 years, told the Post: “It is madness.
“I used to be in the police force, so I’ve done an advanced driving course – you are always looking for that accident. But the majority of people do not.
“People encroach on you. You have to veer into the middle of the island.
“I’m surprised there are not more accidents. You have to be on your guard.
“The pedestrian crossings are too near the roundabout. The amount of traffic we have on the roads nowadays, roundabouts are old track.”
Another resident, retired Gerald Richardson, said it was “absolutely dangerous”.
He said: “It is an absolute nightmare since they made it three lanes. It has made it too fast. The majority is bad driving but then you have the poor lane markings. It is so dangerous.”
As part of the works back in 2015, which subsequently finished in 2016, new kerbs were laid to create a new roundabout layout with better pedestrian and cycling crossings.
Space was made to accommodate additional traffic by increasing the number of ring road entry lanes and circulating lanes.
The Post drove the route from Sherwood, along Hucknall Road and across the roundabout.
It was difficult to see the road markings, including those which show which lane is which.
Nottingham City Council said it was considering making changes to the road markings the next time they are relined.
Taj Cheema, who works at the Post Office just off the roundabout, added: “They increased the size of it and I think that is forcing people to drive faster around it.
“We’ve had quite a few incidents around it. The cyclists have the short straws. They do not stand a chance.”
Patricia Brooks, however, said she believes the new layout is much better.
She added: “We do want new lane markings on there, it is busy especially at rush hour, but it is better than what it used to be.”
Some residents also said the 40mph limit on Valley Road had helped slow people down on approach.