RESIDENTS attending an exhibition about work to Ipswich Road and Harwich Road junctions raised concerns over how the plans will impact on the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Aubrey Bradfield, 80, of Bridgefield Close, Colchester, said: “I’m concerned about having to walk so far to the crossing, as well as the safety aspects and air pollution.

Gazette:

“It’s dangerous for pedestrians. It’s not very good for parents pushing children in prams.

“The scheme is more for motorists and the volume of traffic is going to get worse.”

Paul Byrne, of Colchester Medics for Safer Roads, said: “In the process of widening any roundabouts it’s inconveniencing pedestrians and cyclists.

Gazette:

“It will become very dangerous for cyclists wanting to travel towards Highwoods and also difficult for people walking.

“It’s also exposing pedestrians to more air pollution and crossing the road more frequently.

“The council is prepared to spend £12million on this which inconveniences cyclists and is right out of the Sixties and Seventies and needs to be condemned.”

David Watson, 43, a pilot, of Rouse Way, Colchester, said: “I’m unsure of whether it will help traffic congestion.

Gazette:

“I think it will lead to people walking along the road.

“If the cycle path which is parallel to Cowdray Avenue and lit each night is used it wouldn’t be so much of an issue.

“But for seven years since I’ve lived at my address, the council has been unable to find the landowner so it’s redundant.”

Keith Jackson, 67, retired, from Colchester’s Riverside Nursery Estate, said: “My first thoughts it’s nice to have an invitation to see the proposals.

Gazette:

“I’ve been here seven years and where I live overlooks the roundabout and look at the congestion caused on a regular basis ans hope the proposal will ease movement.

“I began to restrict my use of the car because I was intimidated by what I saw.

“The reputation of the road system in Colchester isn’t good and there’s at least some recognition that any new developments will exacerbate the current problems. It’s long overdue.”

For more information about the works, click here.