New Bicester roundabout is 'a ludicrous idea' (From Bicester Advertiser)

New Bicester roundabout is 'a ludicrous idea'

6:47pm Sunday 31st January 2010

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PLANS by highways bosses to install a mini-roundabout at a busy narrow junction have been described as “ludicrous”.

Oxfordshire County Council wants to paint a roundabout in Launton Road at the junction with Victoria Road and Garth Park, Bicester, to make it easier for drivers to turn right into Launton Road.

Part of the road would have to be widened for the roundabout to fit.

The idea has been criticised by town councillors who fear that a roundabout would create more problems for motorists.

Launton Road is one of the main roads between the town centre and industrial estates in Murdock Road and Granville Way, as well as residential areas.

The new roundabout would be painted as part of a new traffic management scheme being planned as part of the £70m redevelopment of the town centre.

Crown Walk and Bure Place car parks will be closed when building work starts, with drivers redirected to the Cattle Market car park in Victoria Road.

Discussing the roundabout proposal, town councillor Les Sibley said: “It’s ludicrous – just think about the situations that will be created.

“People have enough problems already as it’s difficult to get in and out of Victoria Road.

“A roundabout would make it hazardous for motorists and pedestrians who cross near that spot.

“It will be a nightmare experience for motorists to negotiate the roundabout because the area is so small.

“There’s not enough room for a roundabout.

It’s going to cause no end of problems.It’s crazy to even contemplate this.

And with all the traffic, including HGVs, it doesn’t bear thinking about.”

Bicester town, Cherwell district and Oxfordshire county councillor Lawrie Stratford, who is also a member of the Bicester traffic committee, said: “This was put forward a long time ago.

“One of the key elements of the town centre redevelopment is traffic management.

A decision has not yet been made on whether the roundabout would be permanent.

Michael Gibbard, Cherwell District Council’s executive member for planning and housing, said: “This is part of the Bicester town centre redevelopment scheme and is currently the subject of detailed discussion with the county council as highway authority – in the light of the planning application for the revised scheme.

“It is important that the changes to traffic flows in the town centre are properly managed.

“Technical work is still under way and final proposals will be confirmed in due course.”

A spokesman for the county council said plans for the roundabout had been approved by Cherwell District Council.

He added: “We will monitor and review the situation when the roundabout is in place.”

bicester@oxfordmail.co.uk

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