'DANGER' JUNCTION: Calls for rethink at complex crossroads

11:30am Thursday 28th June 2012 in Latest By Martin Lea

BUSY: The complex harbour crossroads near Asda BUSY: The complex harbour crossroads near Asda

PRESSURE is mounting on council chiefs to act over a ‘danger’ junction in Weymouth.

The Echo has been inundated with complaints about the complex harbour crossroads near Asda following our story on calls for changes on June 19.

Many are backing calls for an independent review of the site, nicknamed ‘kamikaze junction’ by locals.

Some believe a roundabout in the middle of the junction would aid traffic flows while others say traffic lights should be scrapped.

Dorset County Council built the crossroads for the Weymouth Transport Package, introduced last year to improve traffic flows in the run-up to the Olympics.

Weymouth and Portland councillor Mike Byatt is supporting concerns raised by the Weymouth and Portland Hackney Carriage Association and says people need ‘reassurance’ the junction is safe with an independent review.

With the Olympics fast approaching and the town ready for an influx of extra visitors, Coun Byatt said today it was more important than ever to get something done.

He said the county council may be preoccupied with the Olympics – but says a warning sign could be put up on the approach to the junction now and other issues investigated after the Games.

Related links

Taxi driver Eddie Hawkins said the ‘flaw’ was that the pedestrian crossings are too close to the junction and were positioned on blind corners and on hills where visibility is restricted.

Head of highways at Dorset County Council Mike Winter said: “We appreciate that some highway users are finding the harbour junction more difficult to negotiate than other junctions in the town.

“When a junction is first opened or amended, we use advisory signs to inform road users of the change. These signs include messages such as ‘New Road Layout’, ‘New Traffic Signals’ and ‘Signal Priorities Changed’. Regulations say these must be removed within three months of completion of the works, which has been the case here.

“The sign regulations do not include a ‘Complex Junction’ sign, or anything similar.

“Local motorists will by now be aware of the junction layout and new drivers to the area are able to use the information already provided, such as advanced direction signing, signals, lane markings and markings in the junction centre, to help them find their way.

“We consider these measures to be sufficient for drivers to proceed through the junction safely.”

Mr Winter said safety audits were carried out at the junction once it had been built and safety concerns resolved.

He said the council had responded directly to concerns raised by members of the public and made amendments where necessary.

Mr Winter added that the council was looking into comments from the Taxi Drivers’ Association.

Drivers take life into their hands

HOLIDAYMAKER David Barnby says drivers ‘take their life in their hands’ when using the junction – and he wonders what impression it gives to visitors.

He and his wife Francine have been visiting Weymouth for years and say they are not put off by the new traffic system, but other holidaymakers might be.

Retired telecoms engineer Mr Barnby, 74, from Oxfordshire, said: “If you didn’t know the area the junction would take you by surprise.

“You really have to take a deep breath before using it and swivel your head in all directions.

“You assume that the junction works in the normal way and you’re not on your guard.

“Visitors who have bad experiences with Weymouth’s traffic system may think twice about coming back.

“My wife Francine and I love it here and it wouldn’t put us off but we’re on our guard when we use the junction.”

Mr Barnby said he wouldn’t be surprised if visitors talked of their bad experiences in traffic when they went back home.

Comments(48)

Jello Biafra says...
12:03pm Thu 28 Jun 12

BORING!

Report this post »

cj07589 says...
12:15pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Learn to drive correctly me thinks.

Report this post »

banknote says...
1:11pm Thu 28 Jun 12

The truth of this story is that the County Council's Highways Department were repeatedly warned about potential problems at this junction before work was started.

They took no notice.

We must remember that we are in a tourist area and lots of drivers will be unfamiliar with this junction.

The "funneling" from two lanes into one is far too short and the crossings far too close to the junction. Adjustments are needed here before there is a major incident.

And what happened to the Highways Team who ignored the concerns of many?

Report this post »

Laughing gnome says...
1:15pm Thu 28 Jun 12

nothing wrong with junction,give it up.

Report this post »

Saddler says...
1:15pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Its very frustrating due to close proximity of pedestrian crossing, but not dangerous. Only people who do not drive right are a danger.
Worse example is the mini roundabout at the junction of All Saints Road/Wyke Road. When traffic at the three junctions comes to a stop whose right of way is it?

Report this post »

i.farmer1@vodafoneemail.co.uk says...
1:15pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Funny that the echo asks the taxi drivers, many of whom do not obey the rules of the road anyway. I got cut up by one at that junction a few weeks ago and we both ended up in ASDA car park, where he had driven into the exit for the disabled and parent toddler spaces. When I spoke to him he said it didn't matter as he had a living to make, whereas I was just taking up his space!
He and others like him are the reason the junction is dangerous!

Report this post »

islelander says...
1:22pm Thu 28 Jun 12

I think we will find visitors will have no trouble with this junction as there are similar ones all over the country. There is nothing wrong with it, the problem is the standard of driving,as said before, get in correct lane and follow the lights, green for go and red to stop. it's not rocket science.

Report this post »

MRCHAOS says...
1:23pm Thu 28 Jun 12

CHAOS!

Report this post »

ManOnTheSilverMountain says...
1:28pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Perhaps some driving lessons to educate drivers that green lights don't mean they can go. Only green filter lights mean that...

Report this post »

Laughing gnome says...
1:31pm Thu 28 Jun 12

nothing wrong with junction,give it up.

Report this post »

wessex-andy says...
1:40pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Maybe that fact that Matthew Piles (Dorset County Council) needed to write down the instructions for motorists to negotiate this junction should tell us that it is not simple and straightforward. His instructions fill an A4 sheet of paper. Not many motorists have the time to read this when approaching the junction.

In spite of some of the comments above, it is patently obvious that there IS a problem with this junction. It is also obvious that a problem didn't exist when it was a roundabout.

Report this post »

i.farmer1@vodafoneemail.co.uk says...
1:45pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Problems existed when it was a roundabout, such as drivers pulling out in front of you, cutting across lanes, and the fact that at least 3 times a day traffic hardly moved on it!

Some have very short memories!

Report this post »

cj07589 says...
1:53pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Lol @ Mr Chaos!

Report this post »

Never Wrong says...
2:01pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Its a bad junction for bad and aggressive drivers but fine for the rest of us.

Report this post »

Sparticles says...
3:23pm Thu 28 Jun 12

I found it a bit confusing the first few times I used it and the lights do seem unnecessarily complex. I thought that the roundabout was better, albeit frustrating and a bottleneck at times.

Report this post »

voiceof says...
3:46pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Saddler wrote:
Its very frustrating due to close proximity of pedestrian crossing, but not dangerous. Only people who do not drive right are a danger.
Worse example is the mini roundabout at the junction of All Saints Road/Wyke Road. When traffic at the three junctions comes to a stop whose right of way is it?
Ha! This situation was immortalised many years ago in a book called "how to be a wally" by Paul Manning, published in 1983 (A wally, for you youngsters, was a slang term for a fool or idiot). three wallies at a mini roundabout all sitting there waiting for the person to their right to enter the junction and none having the initiative to go, hilarious.

Report this post »

Peregrine Trousers says...
4:16pm Thu 28 Jun 12

It would also help if all motorists used their indicators!

Report this post »

Dorsettraveller says...
4:25pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Good point about the previous roundabout which was frequently snarled up in all directions. I travel extensively throughout the county and every day into Weymouth and my view of the transport changes is that they are a massive improvement on what was here only two years ago. I agree with others that have said that the location of the crossings are part of the problem but I suspect if they were moved further away then pedestrians would still cross the road at these exisitng points - much less safely than they do now. It is a difficult junction that requires concentration and good road skills - unfortuntely there are a minority who choose to do their own thing and that is what makes this junction dangerous -dangerous drivers not the junction itself.

Report this post »

tackleberry says...
4:34pm Thu 28 Jun 12

For so many people to comment that they feel this and other junctions are dangerous, a problem must exist. The Echo is not just putting forward an opinion from only a few, it is voicing the concernes of many, without stories such as this many a campaign would not see the light of day, if you find the article boring turn the page but don't comment if someone else is injured or worse at that junction, you will have no right. What concerns me is that the local Taxi drivers have more thought for road safty than DCC Highways by coming forward to point out these problems and not taking no for an answer.

Report this post »

satisfecho says...
5:41pm Thu 28 Jun 12

tackleberry wrote:
For so many people to comment that they feel this and other junctions are dangerous, a problem must exist. The Echo is not just putting forward an opinion from only a few, it is voicing the concernes of many, without stories such as this many a campaign would not see the light of day, if you find the article boring turn the page but don't comment if someone else is injured or worse at that junction, you will have no right. What concerns me is that the local Taxi drivers have more thought for road safty than DCC Highways by coming forward to point out these problems and not taking no for an answer.
How many on hear are saying the junction is dangerous?

Report this post »

mad lunatic says...
6:07pm Thu 28 Jun 12

It won't be a problem soon as they will be removed, the centre spot for the roundabout has already been marked on the road. X marks the spot !

Report this post »

Top Gear says...
7:46pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Ive never seen so many stories about a road junction. Drivers need to adapt and learn. Roads aren't dangerous drivers are!

Report this post »

Merlin of Britain says...
7:46pm Thu 28 Jun 12

In recent years I have definitely noticed that Weymouth drivers are becoming as bad as those of Bournemouth - go hell for leather, and the devil take the hindmost..!!
Most of the comments above seem to make fair points, but as to whether a roundabout was better, I'm not sure. If there had been more space available, perhaps a larger roundabout would have been the answer..?? I remember all too often waiting at the roundabout, just by the fire station, seeing an opening, only to have someone come hurtling round the bend towards you. Then, as you rode towards the Asda, there would be more maniacs coming down Boot Hill, obviously thinking "Can I get across in front of that cruiser..?? Yeah, 'course I can - watch me..!!" They'd whip across in front of you, Westwey Road bound, as if they hadn't a minute to live. Perhaps everything would be safer all round if people bore in mind my old grandfather Hammond's wise advice: "Better to be five minutes late on Earth than five years early in hell..!!"

Report this post »

MoralMinority says...
7:47pm Thu 28 Jun 12

I've heard from a reliable source that as soon as the olympics are over they intend to use a local contractor to reinstall a roundabout. This is probably just the 'marketing' beforehand - this debacle doesn't need an independent investigation, it needs all the facts, figures and decision makers meeting minutes printed on a website under the freedom of information act. Then it needs the more account minded readers to tally up the costs and see the holes. Would love to see the 'officious' cost/benefit analysis for the entire project, it'll be in DCC somewhere and I bet it's written on sugar paper.

Report this post »

Roger O.Thornhill says...
7:54pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Well if he/she is a reliable source you should name him, because despite repeated statements to the contrary people continue to peddle this story but no-one will ever name the person who is ITK. I am getting tired of hearing it told with nothing to back it up.

Report this post »

wurzelbasher says...
9:06pm Thu 28 Jun 12

There was nothing wrong with the roundabouts. This whole scheme has been a complete waste of money. If they wanted to streamline the Olympic traffic through then they could have had a temporary lights system, at the roundabouts, at a fraction of the cost of what these buffoons have spent on this. They've just got too much money - OUR MONEY!!

Report this post »

raymanta says...
9:18pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Perhaps one of the first things that need addressing is to stop the idiots who jump the lights and speed through all of the new junctions.

Report this post »

ohcetesrod says...
9:23pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Roger O.Thornhill wrote:
Well if he/she is a reliable source you should name him, because despite repeated statements to the contrary people continue to peddle this story but no-one will ever name the person who is ITK. I am getting tired of hearing it told with nothing to back it up.
I would be very surprised if it was a reliable source.

Probably heard down the pub of someone who heard it of someone who was spreading Chinese whispers.

Report this post »

ohcetesrod says...
9:25pm Thu 28 Jun 12

raymanta wrote:
Perhaps one of the first things that need addressing is to stop the idiots who jump the lights and speed through all of the new junctions.
Too many think they own the road, therefore do as they please.

Report this post »

Genghis says...
9:38pm Thu 28 Jun 12

wurzelbasher wrote:
There was nothing wrong with the roundabouts. This whole scheme has been a complete waste of money. If they wanted to streamline the Olympic traffic through then they could have had a temporary lights system, at the roundabouts, at a fraction of the cost of what these buffoons have spent on this. They've just got too much money - OUR MONEY!!
Really? Nothing wrong with the roundabouts? Then why did we have years of motorists complaining that something had to be done to sort out the traffic jams at King Street, Westwey Road, ASDA roundabout, Boot Hill and North Quay?

Report this post »

Be_Happy says...
9:45pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Almost an hour from Peston to Wyke! This is an improvement is it? It wasn't even a busy time of day.
There used to be queues on Westway road at busy times, Now there are queues more frequently.
Overall the new system is better, but this junction has the least (if any) improvement while being more awkward then the roundabout it replaced.
I have to drive through it many times everyday, and I have been nearly hit in the side by people turning right or doing a U-turn more often then I care for.

Report this post »

Genghis says...
9:57pm Thu 28 Jun 12

Be_Happy wrote:
Almost an hour from Peston to Wyke! This is an improvement is it? It wasn't even a busy time of day.
There used to be queues on Westway road at busy times, Now there are queues more frequently.
Overall the new system is better, but this junction has the least (if any) improvement while being more awkward then the roundabout it replaced.
I have to drive through it many times everyday, and I have been nearly hit in the side by people turning right or doing a U-turn more often then I care for.
Where's the permanent traffic jam that used to be at King Street roundabout? Doesn't seem to be there any more. Queueing to get past ASDA roundabout used to stretch the length of North Quay all the way back over the Town Bridge. And that wasn't on the rare occasion. I go in and out of town two or three times a day and haven't been stuck in traffic like that for a while. The new system may not be perfect but it's a good deal better than what we had.

Report this post »

Top Gear says...
10:14pm Thu 28 Jun 12

If Asda was allowed to move out of town we probably would have never had this problem.

Report this post »

driver21 says...
11:27pm Thu 28 Jun 12

As a bus driver, I use this junction many times during the day. I've seen many 'close shaves' where drivers don't know where they should give way, mainly from traffic coming from Asda turning to go up Boot Hill. Also drivers doing U turns to go back up Boot Hill because of the restricted turns on the way down Boot Hill.
There is going to be many foreign drivers during the olympics, (there's already quite a few around now, judging by the number plates).
What will they make of it? The mind boggles.

Report this post »

ksmain says...
12:03am Fri 29 Jun 12

Genghis wrote:
wurzelbasher wrote:
There was nothing wrong with the roundabouts. This whole scheme has been a complete waste of money. If they wanted to streamline the Olympic traffic through then they could have had a temporary lights system, at the roundabouts, at a fraction of the cost of what these buffoons have spent on this. They've just got too much money - OUR MONEY!!
Really? Nothing wrong with the roundabouts? Then why did we have years of motorists complaining that something had to be done to sort out the traffic jams at King Street, Westwey Road, ASDA roundabout, Boot Hill and North Quay?
The problems that Weymouth has is common to all seaside towns - restriction of movement due to their situation on the coast. The same traffic problems exist in Bournemouth, Poole, Brighton, etc . Whatever you do to the road system it will never improve traffic flow for that reason.

Just look at all the improvements they have done to the Tesco roundabout in Dorchester. Has it improved the flow from Weymouth to Dorchester and vice versa. No it hasnt. The reason - predominant traffic flow is East - West and always will be.

Report this post »

Peter Baylis says...
6:58am Fri 29 Jun 12

Maybe if Weymouth F.C. hadn't sold their ground, these traffic problems wouldn't be happening, and neither would the Terras problems, stuck on the outskirts of town. Lack of foresight. There is only one winner here. ASDA.

Report this post »

wessex-andy says...
8:26am Fri 29 Jun 12

Far from scaremongering, I think the Echo have got their reporting just about right. A story come along so they open the can of worms and throw it in to get the debate under way. All they have to do then is sit back a watch while all of us twonks spend the next few days insulting each other and putting our own stupid thoughts into words.

By the time that the infighting finishes another equally interesting story will come along.

I think that the comments that we write are much better than the story was in the first place.

One thing that I have noticed is that it seems to be the same nom-de-plumes that crop up time after time.

Report this post »

Ripe mango says...
9:15am Fri 29 Jun 12

The most confusing part of the asda lights is the fact that it isnt a straight junction and you dont normally give way to traffic coming from the left ! ( this is the most dangerous bit ) .. yes there are marking on the road to give way to cars from the left but when your behind another vehicle your not looking at the road then add to that not sure where your going as in visitors ... its very confusing. So it would be good to remember this is a holiday resort and not everyone has time to get used to it. If it is deemed that a local needs three months to get used to a new system then what chance has a visitor got especially when your giving way to traffic from your left.

Report this post »

Genghis says...
9:16am Fri 29 Jun 12

ksmain wrote:
Genghis wrote:
wurzelbasher wrote:
There was nothing wrong with the roundabouts. This whole scheme has been a complete waste of money. If they wanted to streamline the Olympic traffic through then they could have had a temporary lights system, at the roundabouts, at a fraction of the cost of what these buffoons have spent on this. They've just got too much money - OUR MONEY!!
Really? Nothing wrong with the roundabouts? Then why did we have years of motorists complaining that something had to be done to sort out the traffic jams at King Street, Westwey Road, ASDA roundabout, Boot Hill and North Quay?
The problems that Weymouth has is common to all seaside towns - restriction of movement due to their situation on the coast. The same traffic problems exist in Bournemouth, Poole, Brighton, etc . Whatever you do to the road system it will never improve traffic flow for that reason.

Just look at all the improvements they have done to the Tesco roundabout in Dorchester. Has it improved the flow from Weymouth to Dorchester and vice versa. No it hasnt. The reason - predominant traffic flow is East - West and always will be.
Agree 100% with you.

Report this post »

stench says...
10:05am Fri 29 Jun 12

wessex-andy wrote:
Far from scaremongering, I think the Echo have got their reporting just about right. A story come along so they open the can of worms and throw it in to get the debate under way. All they have to do then is sit back a watch while all of us twonks spend the next few days insulting each other and putting our own stupid thoughts into words. By the time that the infighting finishes another equally interesting story will come along. I think that the comments that we write are much better than the story was in the first place. One thing that I have noticed is that it seems to be the same nom-de-plumes that crop up time after time.
haha :)

Report this post »

maximan says...
10:48am Fri 29 Jun 12

at least OHEC have a green policy...the amount of times they can recycle a story is amazing

Report this post »

Under35andout says...
2:14pm Fri 29 Jun 12

the green men need to go green at all lights problem solved

Report this post »

MoralMinority says...
5:33pm Fri 29 Jun 12

The 'reliable' source would most likely lose his job and in turn could cause a local contractor to lose the commission for the reinstating of the roundabout. Welcome to the world of hearsay, conjecture and nepotism, pretty much the bedrock of the council decision making process.

Report this post »

radiator says...
1:03pm Sat 30 Jun 12

Still things should quieten down in a couple of weeks as most of the car parks will be closing except for permit holders while the Limpics is on, so there will be no need to go to Weymouth unless you know of a place to park!

Report this post »

radiator says...
1:03pm Sat 30 Jun 12

Still things should quieten down in a couple of weeks as most of the car parks will be closing except for permit holders while the Limpics is on, so there will be no need to go to Weymouth unless you know of a place to park!

Report this post »

niceonecyril says...
9:56pm Sat 30 Jun 12

All the new junctions are brilliant, very few holdups, free flowing traffic, they have made Weymouth a much better place to drive in, the junctions, and that includes the Asda one are bog standard junctions found in 100's of other towns and cities and cause no problems. People who opposed them called them deathtraps, well that hasn't happened. The sooner the rest of the roundabouts are replaced with traffic lights the better, and that's likely to happen above the roundabouts being replaced.

Report this post »

Glasshalfull says...
4:44pm Mon 2 Jul 12

I don't like the Asda junction and will avoid it at busy times but that's because it's different from anything else in the area. I only drive locally nowadays but my son in his 20s drives all over the country and says junctions like these are everywhere. Holiday makers from larger cities won't have a problem. Weymouth drivers just need to sharpen up!

Report this post »

ermatrude says...
2:15pm Tue 3 Jul 12

wurzelbasher wrote:
There was nothing wrong with the roundabouts. This whole scheme has been a complete waste of money. If they wanted to streamline the Olympic traffic through then they could have had a temporary lights system, at the roundabouts, at a fraction of the cost of what these buffoons have spent on this. They've just got too much money - OUR MONEY!!
The best answer ever written as for dorset traveler i suspect that is about his limits,in Germany they are removing traffic lights by the hundreds to put in Roundabouts because they are more cost effective, and the population had forums and polls in which they voted overwhelmingly to accept we had no choice! And they should know about saving a bob or two Oh by the way i was driving there earlier this year.Even taking into considering driving on the right side of the for long periods of road and then having to enter to the right this is what you call have to keep ypur concentration.This is not the only country i have driven in.Also America/Australia/Gr
eece/Italy/ Spain/ Montenegro/Malta and others so dorset driver where have you been. Yeh i no it appears as if i am bragging, not so just pointing out my experience Therefore I pronounce the new weymouth traffic system a complete shambles and waste of money

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree