Dangerous drivers have forced Swindon Borough Council to take the difficult decision to completely close Whitworth Road at the junction with Moonrakers roundabout.
The westbound approach onto Whitworth Road was reopened at the beginning of December, following the completion of utility work at the Moonrakers junction. After taking on the views of local residents, the decision was taken to keep the eastbound lane closed until further notice in order to avoid the tailbacks that were seen at the junction over the summer.
Since the road was partially reopened, on average 10 to 15 motorists a day have ignored the no-entry signs and there have been a number of near misses on site involving vehicles travelling head on towards each other.
Reports have also been received about a number of pedestrians and young children on bicycles using the lane incorrectly and public disturbances between motorists who have narrowly missed a collision.
In order to try and combat these problems the Council redesigned the one-way system and installed illuminated digital signage on site last Saturday (12 December). The Council also considered installing an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera on site, however, this option was deemed unsuitable.
Alun Griffiths Ltd, the contractor on site, has been monitoring the situation daily to see if there have been any improvements. Despite efforts to tackle the problem, motorists continue to ignore the signage and there are daily instances of drivers trying to move the traffic management measures in place.
For the safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians the decision has been taken to close the road.
The Council will look to reopen the road in the New Year when the contractor returns to site after the Christmas holidays. Until then diversionary routes will be clearly signposted.
Motorists will still be able to use the rest of Whitworth Road as usual.
Councillor Maureen Penny, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Maintenance and Waste Services, said: “It’s really disappointing that despite the efforts to reopen the road safely earlier this month, people continue to ignore the traffic management measures in place.
“These traffic measures are there to protect road users, pedestrians and cyclists whilst work is taking place at the junction.
“It is paramount that the safety of motorists and pedestrians is prioritised and without workers on site over Christmas we cannot be confident that road users will behave responsibly when navigating the one-way system.
“It is with this in mind that we have had to take the difficult decision to partially close Whitworth Road until the New Year. It is of no benefit to the scheme to keep the westbound approach closed, however the safety of road users has to take priority.
“My apologies go out to the majority of motorists who were using the road safely and following the measures in place.”
Residents can stay up to date with the progress of the scheme by signing up to the Moonrakers newsletter: www.swindon.gov.uk/newsletter
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