FRUSTRATED residents took the opportunity to quiz the council on proposals which aim to improve safety at a Bournemouth ‘blackspot’.

Plans for Tuckton roundabout include installing zebra crossings for pedestrians and cyclists on the approach to all four junctions, two of which would be raised.

At a public exhibition last Tuesday, representatives from Bournemouth Borough Council’s road safety team were on hand to respond to questions and issues raised by locals at St Nicholas Church, Broadway, Southbourne.

This followed a recent presentation to Hengistbury Residents’ Association.

The council is hoping to reduce the number of crashes by altering the entrances and exits to lower traffic speeds, improve accessibility through the provision of the crossings and to reduce cycle collisions by providing facilities to bypass the roundabout.

The proposals also include widening the road near the Tesco Express on Tuckton Road to allow deliveries to be made without heightening congestion in the area.

However, at Tuesday’s exhibition some residents said they did not think the plans would have a great impact.

John Buckle, who lives in Southbourne, said: “I think it’s a waste of money.

“The safety record is due to human error and the design of the roundabout is not going to change that.

“When Tesco was built the council turned down letting them do deliveries from the rear of the premises and then turned down a layby, which Tesco were willing to pay for.

“No we’re going to have to pay.”

Wick village resident John Maynard, said: “In principle they have got to do something about it.

“Crossing Tuckton Bridge is a must because it’s dangerous.

“I’m not sure if the road as set out in the plans will be wide enough to allow vehicles to unload and not block the rest of the road still.”

However, Allan Lilley, also from Wick, supported the council.

“I think they are trying to do the best job they can,” Mr Lilley said.

“It’s not an easy situation because you are confined with the amount of space available.

“I hadn’t realised until the officer told me, just how many collisions there have been at the roundabout.”

The roundabout was recently listed among some 80 ‘accident blackspots’ in Bournemouth.

These locations have been the site of seven or more crashes with people injured in the past five years.

Jeff and Barbara Evans, who live in Tuckton, said there are problems which need to be addressed.

“There are issues with the plans they have, such as whether the road will be wide enough and the proximity of the crossings to the roundabout.

“It would be a good idea if traffic coming out of the pub was made to left and go down to the roundabout rather than trying to swing across the road.”

Richard Pearson, Bournemouth Borough Council’s traffic and road safety manager, said: “We have had an enthusiastic and considered response to the consultation on our proposals at Tuckton Roundabout, which is still live and ends on October 20.”

“Once the consultation is complete we will collate all responses and publish the outcome. If we decide to proceed with the scheme we will communicate the timescales once finalised.”

To take part in the consultation visit the council website or email roadsafety@bournemouth.gov.uk.