Road changes on Tavistock Road spark worries about confusing signs and potential fines for drivers.
Big changes started this week for Tavistock Road as part of the Woolwell to the George scheme. These closures and lights will stay for months, affecting how traffic moves.
Changes started Sunday night, February 9th, to set up the new road layout. Woolwell Crescent’s exit onto Tavistock Road is closed, and traffic must now use the reopened Woolwell Road. You cannot turn right from Tavistock Road to Woolwell Road, which keeps traffic flowing south.
Only buses and emergency vehicles can avoid a detour, still going via Belliver Roundabout. A camera has been at the roundabout since January 23rd, enforcing the no right turn rule because people often ignore it. Getting caught in the bus lane costs £70.
Tavistock Road narrows to one lane each way between the roundabout and Woolwell Crescent. Despite the closed exit from Woolwell Crescent, there should not be significant delays.
Some people think the fines are unfair, suggesting that the signs might be hard to see and that this is a “cash cow” for the council. They want to know where the money goes. Others agree about the signs, suggesting that small cars might not see them, and larger vehicles could block the view. They think the signs should be further back.
Some say sat navs show the correct route, and they do not think the council is trying to trick people. Some drivers have not had any problems and find the route easy to follow.
One person drives this route daily and has not seen significant traffic problems; it might be a little slower. The traffic now flows better than before, even with the roadwork.
Traffic is bad leaving Plessey Roundabout as many drivers do not know how to merge and do not use the whole merge lane. This causes traffic jams, despite a sign telling people to use both lanes.
Some suggest merge lanes cause chaos because people get taught to move over too soon, and teaching needs improvement. Some drivers prevent others from merging, and road rage can be an issue.
“Merge in turn” is a simple idea, but some drivers do not understand it; they stop in the road when they hear sirens. Merging should work like a zipper, with drivers taking turns.