Poll reflects division in town over busy roundabout

A poll by this newspaper has revealed the town’s division over the new layout at Fullers Hill roundabout.

A £650,000 project was completed in January with the aim of reducing congestion in the area, however, many have claimed that the junction has become more dangerous since the completion of the project.

The work saw an extra lane created by decreasing the central island and additional right hand lane opened on the North Quay approach.

The poll reveals that the majority of people believe the new layout is dangerous, though motorists do not all agree on where the blame lies.

Of the 561 voters in the poll, a marginal majority of 39pc said the road markings are unclear, making the roundabout confusing and subsequently dangerous.

However, 34pc said the layout was not to blame, rather it was road users not following the markings correctly.

Only 15pc said the layout was an improvement, with 12pc not noticing a difference.

Norfolk County Council say that the layout has been “working well”.

A spokesperson said: “Since the new roundabout layout was fully opened in January, we have been aware of three incidents at the location.

“Two were minor, damage-only incidents and the third involved a motorcyclist. We do not have any further details of these three incidents; however we will continue to monitor all information available to us concerning the new layout, so as to identify any potential trends that may emerge.

“This roundabout was designed in line with national design standards for highways, and our monitoring indicates it has been working well on the whole and improving the flow of traffic in the area.”

Commenting on Facebook, Tanya McCormick said: “It’s definitely quicker to get along Lawn Avenue, downside is idiots not looking at the road markings.”

Jo Hinchley said: “It’s a nightmare! I’ve been in the correct lane and nearly been trimmed out many a time. Staying away from it as much as possible now.”