Heyford Hill crash follows signals failure (From Oxford Mail)

Heyford Hill crash follows signals failure

9:30am Friday 24th August 2012 in Oxford

TWO cars collided on an Oxford bypass roundabout just half an hour after traffic lights failed.

A blue Chevrolet and a silver Vauxhall Astra collided on the Heyford Hill Roundabout at about 10am yesterday.

Traffic signals at the roundabout, which reopened late last year as a ‘hamburger’ junction after a complete overhaul, failed at about 9.50am.

One person suffered minor injuries in the crash and long queues quickly built up on approach roads.

County council spokesman Owen Morton said: “The traffic signals at the Heyford Hill roundabout went out at around 9.30am following a loss of power supply.

“The council’s highways staff attended the site and contacted Southern Electric regarding the issue.

“Warning messages were immediately displayed on the Sandford and Thornhill variable message signs to alert motorists to take extra care at the roundabout.

“Announcements were also made on local radio.

“Unfortunately an accident did occur on the roundabout shortly after the power outage, although the exact details are not yet known.

“Traffic management was put in place, with the central section of the roundabout coned off.”

Southern Electric said power was restored and the lights were working again by about 1.15pm.