Closed
Unlawful U-turns endanger pedstrians, cyclists, and normally turning car traffic
Reported in the Road Markings category anonymously at 21:25, Fri 6 December 2019
Sent to Oxfordshire County Council 6 minutes later
At this junction, it is common for cars and vans heading NW along the A40 to U-turn onto the SE carriageway. Using the turning lane cut into the central divider activates the traffic lights, making them show a green right turn signal. However this signal is *only* for turning right into the Barton Park development's residential roads. It is not intended for U-turns onto the SE A40, and indeed these turns are not permitted. There is a small no-U sign visible to the NW traffic in the little turn lane.
This kind of motor turn happens during the green crossing phase for pedestrians and cyclists, and the green phase controlling entry onto the SE A40 from Barton Fields Road. It is a hazard which is entirely caused by unlawful, controllable behaviour by a significant minority or motorists using this little turning lane.
I have head multiple accounts during residents meetings of crossing pedestrians having to dodge illegally turning motor traffic making this perilous manoeuvre, some from parents with children. I have had to do the same myself three times when crossing by bike.
Please, *please* can the signage be improved? The one sign telling motorists to not make U-turns is rather small.
I note that there is a high camera observing this junction. It would be good if this could be used to observe driver behaviour and improve safety here. I would hope that there's some kind of fine that can be issued based on footage, but I respect that this may be impossible to do with existing tech and staffing.
Council ref: ENQ19849601
Updates
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Thank you for your enquiry. This issue has been passed onto the relevant team for investigation.
State changed to: Investigating
Posted by Oxfordshire County Council at 21:30, Fri 6 December 2019
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Still open, via questionnaire, 10:10, Mon 6 January 2020
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Thank you for your report. We have investigated this and there is signage at this location to inform drivers that a 'U-turn' maneuver is prohibited. This is therefore a matter for Thames Valley Police as this is a moving traffic offence.
State changed to: Investigation complete
Posted by Oxfordshire County Council at 15:04, Wed 15 January 2020
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.