| It is only a few weeks since a new system came into operation at the Scott Fyffe roundabout, but it has already been blamed for causing confusion and long tailbacks.
The problem is particularly bad in Douglas Road, where one lane is now reserved for traffic turning left into Arbroath Road and the other has to cope with all the vehicles taking the roundabout’s four other exits.
Local residents have raised concerns about a side street being used and bus company National Express Dundee has made a formal complaint about its services being held up.
Tailbacks on Douglas Road frequently stretch back to the roundabout at Longtown Road/ Ballindean Road and sometimes beyond.
Congestion has also been reported on the Greendykes Road approach to Scott Fyffe.
The changes to the roundabout, which included the installation of pedestrian crossings, were carried out by BEAR Scotland, the company responsible for maintaining trunk roads in the area.
It has now promised to look again at the lane markings to see if changes need to be made.
A spokesperson said, “A road safety audit is scheduled to be carried out within the next two weeks which will review all aspects relating to the operation of the roundabout, including the road markings.”
Councillor Will Dawson said he wanted to ensure the company knew the impact the problems were having on drivers and residents.
“I’ve expressed my concerns about the Douglas Road side. It makes no sense and it is causing tailbacks.
“BEAR Scotland made the changes with the best of intentions but they didn’t realise that it was going to cause this hassle.
“They should consider putting the Douglas Road exit back the way it was, so you can go straight on in either lane.”
Meanwhile, people living in Kemnay Place, which runs between Douglas Road and Arbroath Road, are worried about a rise in the number of drivers using their street as a way of trying to avoid tailbacks.
Resident Jacqueline Marshall said she was surprised there had not been an accident.
She explained, “You can’t get out of the street from about eight in the morning. No one will let you out and you definitely can’t get out of the Arbroath Road side.
“Then people get impatient and use this as a shortcut. They’ll have to do something about it. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Another local said she was fed up with the tailbacks stretching back on Douglas Road.
“At peak times the road is backed up to the previous circle, and even further, and if people see a big queue then they come down here (Kemnay Place) at speed,” she said.
The changes to Scott Fyffe — which have cost £400,000 — were designed to improve safety following several accidents, including one in 2005 that resulted in a pensioner’s death.
Pedestrian crossings have been installed in Greendykes Road and Kingsway East, helping shoppers heading for the nearby retail park and children on their way to school. Alterations have also been made to the access to the Kingsway East fire station. |
