New Didcot roundabout could ease Orchard Centre queues

Traffic lights in Hitchcock Way, at the entrance to the Sainsbury’s car park, were out of action in May after they were struck by a vehicle.

Some drivers said traffic flowed more freely while the traffic lights were out of action.

READ MORE: Man injured after being trampled by cow

The traffic lights were fixed and working again by the end of last week, but councillors have now called for a review and believe a roundabout, or alternative measures, could keep the traffic flowing better than when the lights are in use.

Mocky Khan, district councillor for Didcot South, said he is urging county council highways officers to consider the possibility of a roundabout at the busy junction.

The former town mayor said: “The lights are back on now. They were fixed last week but I think the council still needs to look at the option of having a roundabout.

“This is a real pinch point which gets blocked up at peak times. Drivers queue to get into the Sainsbury’s car park and it’s difficult for other traffic to get past.

“The more people that support the idea of a roundabout, the more chance it has of going ahead.”

The broken traffic lights in Hitchcock Way Didcot (Image: Ian Snowdon)

Didcot West county councillor Ian Snowdon has also been monitoring traffic flow when the lights were out of action.

Earlier this month he stated: “Many of you have been in touch regarding the traffic lights at the entrance and exit to the Orchard Centre, which have now been out of action for over a week.

The Orchard Centre, Didcot. Picture: David Fleming.

“I’ve been chasing highways officers for an update on both the cause of the issue and the repair timescales.

“I’ve now been informed that the vehicle collision caused significant damage to the signal controller, signal pole and incoming mains supply, all of which now need replacing.

“Highways officers have advised that they are currently carrying out the necessary works.”

Didcot county councillor Ian Snowdon (Image: Oxford Mail)

Mr Snowdon said many people have commented that traffic flow improved while the lights were out of action.

He added: “I have taken these comments on board and have written to highways officers highlighting the feedback from residents about the reduction in congestion at this junction.

“I will be raising possible alternatives including whether some form of roundabout layout or pedestrian crossing arrangement could work better here in the longer term.

“Of course, safety must remain the top priority but it is clear from the volume of comments received that many people feel the current traffic lights may actually be contributing to congestion rather than helping traffic flow.”

A spokesman for the county council said: “Leaving the traffic signals turned off would be a safety concern and would increase the chances of significant congestion at peak periods there and elsewhere on the road network.

“Any amendments to the junction would require further detailed study and presently there is no funding available for such work.”