A350 roundabout linking Chippenham to M4 ‘an accident hotspot’

The Malmesbury Roundabout, which links the A350 West Cepen Way with the A350 Malmesbury Road, just south of the motorway, has caused confusion for some motorists in recent months.

Following the opening of the 750 home Birds Marsh View development the road layout at the roundabout was changed, with new signage installed on the approach from the A350.

This layout has caused concern for road users, with many complaining collisions have been caused by drivers exiting the dual carriageway in the wrong lane heading towards the new road.

Ian Beautement, the owner of local vehicle recovery firm Tracker’s Transport, Recovery and Mechanical Services, says he has noticed an increase in accidents at the junction.

“We’re definitely seeing quite a few accidents there and it’s absolutely become a bit of a hotspot”, he said.

“We’ve been called out there two times within the last month but I’m seeing and hearing that there is an accident a week.

“Without a doubt it’s because of Birds Marsh, they need to do something with the left-hand carriageway because the signs aren’t the best and the road markings could be a lot clearer.”

Two lorries recently broke down in an incident on the roundabout, causing a significant oil spill which saw the road closed for several hours while commuters were warned to seek other routes.

Multiple social media users have also reported being involved in accidents at the roundabout, with one claiming that the changes have caused “carnage.”

Another motorist added: “Use it every day and have a near miss every day from cars and lorries flying up. Yeah roundabout needs some more road markings.”

Others have insisted that the signage is clear, however, and blamed their fellow road users for not following the correct procedure.

One Facebook user said: “Why can’t people read and obey the signs? Maybe re-read the Highway Code on which lanes you should be in at roundabouts. It really is not that difficult.”

The roundabout is not the only junction in the town that has caused controversy in recent months.

There have also been calls to improve the signage and road markings at the traffic lights between Langley Road and Park Lane, near Hathaway Retail Park.

Meanwhile faulty traffic lights caused headaches for those navigating the junction of Avenue La Fleche and Gladstone Road throughout April and May.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “We are aware that there are some concerns about the safety on the link road on the A350 roundabout, between West Cepen Way and Malmesbury Road, near to the Birds Marsh View development.

“We are currently investigating these concerns and looking at potential measures that could be put in place to help to alleviate them whilst also keeping the traffic flowing at the junction.”