PROTESTORS have gathered at a contentious mini-roundabout in Poole this weekend to highlight potential road safety issues.

Seaview Action Group members are demanding changes to the layout of the roundabout at the junction of Ashley Road and Constitution Hill Road, Parkstone, which was revamped by Borough of Poole under the £12.1 million Three Town’s Travel project.

Concerns about the junction were raised following the death of pedestrian Dave Dixson, 68, who died after a collision with a car there in October last year.

Borough of Poole officials, who insist they take the issue of road safety very seriously, have made it clear they will not be commenting further until the coroner’s report into Mr Dixson’s death is released.

Meanwhile, on Saturday morning, SeaView Action Group members met at the roundabout with placards that read: “Beep your horn if you think the roundabout is dangerous.”

Action group spokesman Marty Caine, who was a friend of Mr Dixson, said: “We are hoping to raise enough publicity to force the council into dealing with the safety issues of this roundabout. Preferably before someone else gets seriously injured or killed.”

Locals say the problem with the layout is that it is too complicated, and that the zebra crossings on all approaches are difficult for motorists to see.

Mr Caine said: “On the original plans for this new roundabout two of the three zebra crossings were supposed to be informal walkways. These would be far safer because when people step out they expect cars to stop – this is not always possible when the cars can’t actually see them.

“There are four bus stops on this roundabout, no give way road markings and there is just so much going on all at once, accidents are bound to happen.”

Borough of Poole Cllr Brian Clements told the Daily Echo he’s been pursuing the issue for some time.

He insists a number of safety measures, including installing SLOW marking on Constitution Hill, putting in reflective studs and additional rumble strips, will be undertaken.