A new roundabout in Cambridge featuring a staggering 36 traffic lights has sparked outrage among local drivers and residents.
The "signalised" roundabout, located at the junction of Milton Road and Elizabeth Way, became operational on Tuesday as part of the £31.9million Milton Road Improvement Scheme.
But despite the Greater Cambridge Partnership's intentions to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, many motorists have slammed the design as "ridiculous".
Critics argue that the excessive number of lights is causing long queues and increased congestion, with vehicles idling for extended periods.
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Project includes dedicated cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings
PA
The Milton Road Improvement Scheme, which began construction in autumn 2022, aims to enhance a key route into Cambridge city centre.
The project includes dedicated cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, and the controversial roundabout.
The new roundabout features multiple crossings, including two at the Milton Road junction, one at Highworth Avenue, and another at the Elizabeth Way junction. Additionally, the scheme incorporates a "cycling optimised protected signals" junction at King's Hedges, designed to separate pedestrians and cyclists from motorised traffic.
The GCP has also added new flowers and trees to the roundabout, aiming to enhance biodiversity and create a more attractive environment for residents and commuters alike.
Frustrated residents have voiced their concerns about the new roundabout. One local commented on social media: "That's Cambridge City Council for you, they have never had a clue they can Only do what the University's tell them what to do, Cambridge IS controlled by the University's. This roundabout is waiting for many accidents to happen AND at what cost???"
Another resident expressed disappointment: "I thought the lights were for when cyclists and pedestrian needed to cross not on a fixed program 24/7. That's clearly ridiculous."
Someone else shared: "There were long queue of cars standing on idle because the red light is there for an incredibly long time while there is zero traffic on the roundabout itself. Besides, don't traffic lights defeat the purpose of a roundabout?"
These comments highlight the growing frustration among Cambridge drivers over the new traffic system.
But the GCP has defended the new roundabout design, emphasising its benefits for pedestrians and cyclists.
A GCP spokesperson stated: "The new layout features dedicated crossing facilities for those walking and cycling, so people can safely cross the road, even during the busiest times."
They added that the improvements would give parents, children, and commuters more confidence to walk and cycle along Milton Road.
The GCP also said: "Working with the community, we added new flowers and different types of trees to the roundabout. 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."
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One driver shared, there are long queue of cars standing still because of the red lights
PA
The new roundabout has ignited a heated debate in Cambridge, pitting safety concerns against traffic efficiency.
While the GCP maintains that the design prioritises pedestrian and cyclist safety, many drivers argue that the excessive number of traffic lights defeats the purpose of a roundabout and exacerbates congestion. The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing different road users' needs in urban planning.
