CONTROVERSIAL changes to a key roundabout in the Stroud area are due to be reversed after a wave of opposition. 

Officials from Gloucestershire Highways say they are planning to remove the two arrows from the Westward Road approach to the Cainscross Roundabout.

The new markings appeared seemingly out of the blue on Friday, August 2 and dramatically changed the layout of the roundabout on the approach from Cashes Green and Ebley.

For more than 50 years, there had previously been no arrows.

Residents have described the situation as "dangerous" and "horrendous" as many drivers have also been ignoring the new markings.

Gloucestershire County Council previously told the SNJ it had made the changes to "improve safety" after multiple reports of near collisions.

The authority says it will now remove the arrows after listening to feedback from the public.

It is understood works will take place before the end of the school holidays. 

Cllr John Bloxsom by the arrows on the Cainscross Roundabout - photo by Simon Pizzey

“There have been lots of adverse feelings"

County Councillor John Bloxsom (L, Cainscross) said: “I have been advised that Gloucestershire Highways have considered all of the feedback and have decided to revert to the original arrangements of having no directional arrows on the approach from Cashes Green and Ebley.

“There have been lots of adverse feelings about the arrows and concerns over road safety. 

“I am told that both arrows will be blacked out and both of the lanes on the approach from Cashes Green and Ebley returned as they were originally.  
 
“This means that traffic will be able to use the left-hand lane both if turning left onto Paganhill Lane or exiting onto Cainscross Road with the right-hand lane being used to travel onto Dudbridge Road. 
 
“The intention is to carry out this work before schools return.”

A Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson said: “We introduced the advisory arrow markings as a result of concerns that were raised with us, with a view to improving the guidance to motorists and therefore the road safety at the roundabout. 

"However, it is important that we take on board feedback from the public and as a result of this, we agreed to remove the markings and revert to how the lanes were originally. ”

 

Before (right) and after (left) the controversial arrows were painted on the Cainscross Roundabout - photo by Newquest / Google Maps


Cllr Bloxsom by the arrows on the Cainscross Roundabout - photo by Simon Pizzey