Fury at new city centre roundabout with 36 traffic lights that locals say is causing more jams than it solves
Angry residents have slammed a new city centre roundabout with 36 traffic lights which they say is causing more jams than it solves.
Angry residents have slammed a new city centre roundabout with 36 traffic lights which they say is causing more jams than it solves.
The signalised roundabout in Cambridge had been installed as part of a nearly £32million scheme of road improvements in the city aimed at helping traffic flow and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
The re-worked junction, which has taken two years to construct and includes pedestrian crossings and a dedicated cycle lane, had all 36 of its lights turned on for the first time on Tuesday, October 8.
But since then there has been a deluge of complains from irate locals, claiming that the new layout and the lights are doing nothing but making existing traffic jams even worse.
Those living in the area have branded outcome ridiculous and have complained about long queues forming when they are held on red lights even though there is no traffic on the roundabout itself.
Dozens traffic lights have been installed at the roundabout in Cambridge, with the street furniture turned on for the first time earlier this week. Pictured: An aerial view of the roundabout with more than 30 of the traffic lights circled
The reworked junction on Milton Road and Elizabeth Way now has pelican crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. Pictured: A cyclist uses the newly installed pedestrian crossings
However the changes have sparked anger from locals who say it is now causing more traffic jams than it solves. Pictured: The pedestrian light on red warning people on foot not to cross the road
The roundabout, which lies on the junction of Milton Road and Elizabeth Way in the East Anglian city, had already been in place for decades but since 2022 works have taken place to change it.
Dozens of traffic lights have been installed at the junction, along with three pelican crossings, one pedestrian crossing and two dedicated cycle lanes.
It was done as part of the Milton Road Improvement Scheme, a £31.9million project by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) - a body made up of three councils, the University of Cambridge and a local enterprise partnership.
However, locals are less than impressed with the results so far, with many going online to vent their frustration at the delays they say the new traffic lights are causing.
One person said on Reddit: Originally I thought the lights would be only for pedestrians when they want to cross but no, these lights are on all the time!
They added: I travelled through there twice in off peak hours and each time there was long queue of cars standing on idle because the red light is there for an incredible long time while there is zero traffic on the roundabout itself.
Besides, dont traffic lights defeat the purpose of a roundabout?
Another added: It is ridiculous, I have lived here for over 20 years right near the roundabout.
The changes to the roundabout have been done as part of a £31.9million road improvement scheme in the area. Pictured: An aerial view of the roundabout
Some motorists have branded the re-worked junction as ridiculous. Pictured: An overhead view of the roundabout after the changes were made
Pictured: Vehicles can be seen queuing at the traffic lights as they remain on red even though there is little to no traffic on the roundabout itself
Locals have fumed that the traffic lights are leading to more queues than before as they remain red even if there are no vehicles on the roundabout. Pictured: A set of traffic lights on red at the roundabout
Cars are now unnecessarily stopped and sirens from emergency vehicles due to the lights late at night.
I struggled to get out my driveway as no one wanted to let me out due to having to queue up themselves.
Another said: The whole point of roundabouts is that they dont need traffic lights to work, might as well make a cross roads if using lights.
One resident said the changes were totally unnecessary, adding: Never had any problems with it as a pedestrian, cyclist or driver all the time we have lived here until this crazy scheme started.
MailOnline has contacted GCP for comment about the complaints.
When the lights were turned on earlier this week, a spokesperson for GCP told the BBC: Wed like to thank everyone for their patience as we commissioned the signals at the roundabout.
The new layout features dedicated crossing facilities for those walking and cycling, so people can safely cross the road, even during the busiest times.
These features will mean parents, children and commuters can have the confidence to walk and cycle along Milton Road, whether they are heading to the shops, school or work.
Working with the community, we added new flowers and different types of trees to the roundabout.
They added: Aside from brightening up the area as an attractive place to live, walk, cycle or drive, it also enhances biodiversity and helps support vegetation growth.
We would like to thank everyone who helped with making the roundabout a reality.
