RESIDENTS of the Oakalls estate in Bromsgrove are being asked to be patient while county council highway officials tackle the controversial traffic island problem.

The roundabout joining the A38 and A448, has been a nightmare for drivers ever since a fifth arm leading to the Oakalls was created by developers. Many injury accidents have been reported over the years, and the county council highways department has been regularly trying to improve the situation, but measures have not always been popular with residents.

Maureen Boast, from Davenham Road, who uses the roundabout twice a day, said: “All we ever wanted was some part time traffic lights. This new road layout is very dangerous.”

She said that the new traffic markings were so confusing that she was worried about her own safety and other road users.

Worcestershire County Council highways safety boss, Dave Clee felt that the roundabout was originally constructed in the wrong place and ever since, his team had been battling to eliminate accidents.

He said: “We are very concerned about personal injury accidents which have increased recently. The problems arise at peak times when drivers try to change lanes. We have considered traffic signals but there is not enough space on the traffic island.”

He explained even since the new layout had been introduced last month, minor changes had already taken place, and that the situation is being closely monitored on a daily basis.

He added: “We need a few months for people to get used to the new system before we can judge its effectiveness, but we do value residents feedback.”

Anyone who would like to comment on the new traffic layout at Oakalls is being advised to contact the Worcestershire hub on 01905 765765.