CALLS are being made to remove a “ridiculous” and “dangerous” traffic island in a Poole road after there were reportedly two collisions in the space of nine days.

Poole council installed two islands with bollards as part of a new 20mph zone near Hamworthy Park, which was introduced last month.

One of the islands then had to be removed to make way for an abnormal load delivered by the Ministry of Defence.

The council said a safety review was due to be carried out later this week to determine if the island should be re-installed. However, residents of Lulworth Avenue are also calling for the other island to be removed.

Sarah Webster said the island, which is situated near the centre of the road, was in a “ridiculous” place and had already led to two crashes this month.

“The traffic island is dangerous. A family in a large vehicle crashed into it when it was a bright day. The police were there, it was terrible. I emailed the council saying it was dangerous and it should be removed.

“It’s been hit twice this month. There were four bollards to start with and all but one have been damaged.

“The traffic island hasn’t slowed traffic down, and everyone thinks it’s ridiculous.”

Adrian Rosser also contacted the council about the island as he is concerned the black bollards are not visible when it is dark.

He said motorists on one side were “mounting the pavement and passing the island” to avoid driving all the way around it.

“I have witnessed this during the school run and this is endangering pedestrian lives,” he said.

A Poole council spokesperson said: “A safety audit is due to be carried out later this week to determine if the 20mph zone is sufficient to slow traffic without the reintroduction of the island after it was removed to allow for an abnormal load being delivered by the Ministry of Defence.

“The council has received one report of a minor collision with one of these islands at Hamworthy Park during which one of the bollards was damaged. This bollard has since been removed to make the highway safe for motorists.”

They added: “20mph zones aim to improve the safety and quality of life for local people by reducing vehicle speeds and promoting more considerate driving.

“We are monitoring the site and as part of the safety audit process will identify if any alterations to the measures are required.”