ROAD users want action to be taken over what they describe as an accident blackspot on the A4 Keynsham bypass.
They say that danger is posed by drivers cutting across oncoming traffic to access the retail park at the former Wyevale Garden Centre.
A Keynsham motorist who contacted the Voice said that, to safely access the site, people driving from the Bristol direction should continue to the Hicks Gate roundabout, swing right around it, then rejoin the bypass on the opposite side before turning left into the retail park.
Instead, some are braking before they reach the roundabout and turning right across the two lanes of opposing traffic.
The driver, who asked not to be named, said that on Saturdays he has seen queues of cars trying to make the manoeuvre to access the site, which accommodates a hand carwash. a gym, hot-tub showroom, used-car showroom, and a private ambulance station.
He said that a particularly dangerous situation occurs when traffic from the opposite direction in one lane gives way, but the driver trying to cut across cannot see if the other lane is clear.
He said that drivers leaving the retail park using the exit opposite Ironmould Lane also cut across the bypass, to head towards the Hicks Gate roundabout.
“The solution would be to reinstate the no-right-turn signage / restrictions that used to be in place to stop cars pulling out and across the dual carriageways and causing the accidents,” he said.
“Locals have been warning that without action it’s only a matter of time until somebody is killed at this point.”
Other Keynsham motorists have made similar points on social media, with some questioning why the no-right-turn sign, which had stood for years, was removed.
The driver who contacted the Voice said that when he got in touch with the police about the matter, they advised him to contact Bristol City Council, but attempts to report it through FixMyStreet got stuck in the system or were closed immediately.
One comment on FixMyStreet stated: “This is still ongoing. Cars exit the car wash and turn right to go east, turning across two lanes of traffic, forcing others to stop/give way.
“I’ve seen one accident here but it’s only a matter of time before there is another. Not to mention the danger for cyclists and pedestrians of cars using this exit as an entrance.”
Concerned drivers have used social media to highlight recent accidents on that stretch of road, causing long tailbacks.
The driver who contacted the Voice said: “The knock-on effect is that it affects the whole town and whole area, because it causes complete gridlock.
“That’s happened a few times now. It is an area that needs to have a grip taken on it regards enforcement and staying in lane.”
Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of Bristol City Council’s transport and connectivity committee, said: “We are aware of the safety concerns raised by road users regarding this junction following the removal of no-right-turn restrictions installed by the previous landowner.
“Since the removal of these restrictions by the current landowner, we have conducted an initial review of the junction in response to these concerns. We are now considering next steps and will continue to explore both short-term and long-term options to improve road safety at the junction.”
Pictured above, the exit of the retail park where some drivers cut across the bypass to leave and go right, or to enter from the Bristol direction
Call for action over bypass accident blackspot
