Residents claim roadworks haven’t worked (From Oxford Mail)

Residents claim roadworks haven’t worked

1:00pm Tuesday 24th January 2012 in News

HEADINGTON residents have said roadworks designed to make their streets safer have had the opposite effect.

The works, which have been causing delays for Headington residents for several months, have seen several flattened speed bumps or raised platforms being installed which have brought roads up to pavement level.

This has sparked concerns about cars going too fast and using pavement to cut corners.

According to residents the problem is particularly serious at the junction of Latimer Road and All Saints Road.

Patrick Coulter, of Highfield Residents’ Association, said: “Cars are cutting across the footpaths to get round the junction more quickly.

“In our view the junction improvements have not slowed down traffic but rather made it easier to speed round the junction and placed pedestrians at risk.”

Mr Coulter, who lives in Stapleton Road, said bollards had not been put in place to prevent the corner being cut.

He had since contacted Oxfordshire County Council to request an urgent meeting with its engineers.

City councillor Ruth Wilkinson shared Mr Coulter’s concerns, highlighting a lack of signs and a restricted line of sight.

She said: “Some residents have told us the volume and speed of traffic in Lime Walk has reduced.

“But most drivers want more signs to show who has right of way at this junction and some drivers report their sight lines are partially obstructed by parked cars.”

The work was done as part of the New Headington Transport Improvements scheme which began in October. The £450,000 project was designed to improve cycle and pedestrian access.

Local county councillor Roy Darke said: “I have passed on the concerns to the county council.

“Residents were consulted but a more home-grown scheme where people who live locally and know what the issues are would be a more attractive outcome.”

County council spokesman Marcus Mabberley said the flattened speed bumps – known as raised platforms – would “enhance access for pavement users”.

He added: “Red-coloured imprinted surfacing will be added soon in these areas to emphasise the crossing points to road users.

“As is common with similar junctions in other areas of Oxford, there are no current plans for bollards at the junction of Latimer Road and All Saints Road.”