RESIDENTS have branded Hexham’s Bridge End roundabout a hotspot for dangerous driving despite road layout improvements.

Highways England closed the roundabout last month and installed two temporary turnarounds as plans progress on a £30m scheme.

However roadworks have caused chaos and confusion for some residents, while others have criticised motorists for not adhering to give way rules.

County councillor for Hexham West Derek Kennedy said he had received numerous messages from residents about near misses at the roundabout.

“There might be a point where we should consider having traffic lights because it’s so incredibly confusing as to who is going where.

“The problem is the A69 is a trunk road and it’s people who are new to the arrangement who are not understanding it.”

Coun. Kennedy also raised concerns over the three different speed limits on the approach to the Bridge End roundabout.

He added: “It’s an extraordinary solution that has been implemented where we are joining the fast lane of an A road.

“We are fortunate that the traffic levels are not as high as normal.

“The confusion and problems this is going to cause to the town of Hexham while it’s being built will strangle the town.”

Hexham advanced driving inspector Alan Nelson criticised the road layout.

He said: “The road has still got the markings on from the original roundabout. There are too many signs in the road before the 30mph section and it’s hard to take them all in. I have had personal experiences of the dangers of the roundabout where a car didn’t even see I was there. They need to put give way signs in the road.”

Highways England said upgraded signage had been installed at the roundabout to improve visibility and awareness of the roadworks alongside new white lining to both carriageways and rumble strips to inform of the new layout.