Second mini roundabout for Cabstand?

A SECOND mini roundabout could be installed at Portishead's controversial Cabstand junction in a bid to further improve traffic flow.

Portishead councillor David Pasley has asked for a meeting with North Somerset highways chiefs to look at the possibility of installing a second mini roundabout between the bottom of Cabstand and the Waitrose garage.

The request follows the successful installation of a white, painted mini roundabout at the junction of High Street and Wyndham Way near the White Lion pub earlier this year.

Highways chiefs agreed to paint the roundabout on the road to make it clear to traffic who had the right of way following the removal of the traffic signals in 2009.

The new roundabout gives priority to traffic travelling into Portishead along Wyndham Way.

The call for a second mini roundabout follows concerns that traffic is starting to clog up at the approach to the junction on Nore Road.

Vehicles are also often left waiting in the middle of the road as they try to turn right out of Nore Road to access the garage and Wyndham Way.

Mr Pasley said: "I have asked for a meeting with highway engineers about the possibility of putting another mini roundabout at the bottom of the Cabstand between the junction and the Waitrose garage.

"The problem is that traffic is still clogging up in this area from the High Street and Nore Road.

"The mini roundabout at the top of the High Street has worked really well and I think this junction would also work better with a mini roundabout.

"It makes sense to put one there as well as long as it is feasible and is not too costly to do so."

Authority highways officers have been monitoring traffic flow at the junction since the traffic lights were turned off in a four week trial 18 months ago.

The lights often caused large tailbacks along the High Street and Wyndham Way - especially at peak times - forcing traffic to divert along quiet residential roads.

The trial was hailed as a huge success, with the once lengthy tailbacks disappearing and traffic moving freely through the town.

The lights have now been removed and a 20mph speed limit introduced at the junction - which now extends along the High Street.

Two new zebra crossings have also been installed following concerns from pedestrians about safely crossing the busy junction.

The parking lay bys outside the rank of shops have also been turned into loading only bays and a series of speed cushions installed.

The Cabstand lights were installed in 2004 at a cost of £800,000 and were funded from 106 planning agreement money from local developers.

But their installation caused outcry among local residents who said they caused traffic chaos on the town.

Two public protest marches, led by campaigner turned councillor David Jolley, were held in the town, with thousands of placard waving residents walking through the streets to press for changes - including replacing the lights with two mini roundabouts - to be made.