A CRASH at a new roundabout in Bordon has heightened concerns about the safety of pedestrians.

The roundabout at the junctions of Budds Lane and Camp Road has recently been completed as part of Hampshire County Council’s £3.4 million scheme to upgrade Budds Lane. The pedestrian and cycling upgrades also form part of the Green Grid Loop, which is seven miles of improved footpaths and cycleways around the town.

But, concerns have been raised over the distance between the pedestrian crossings and the mini roundabout, after two cars collided while one was stopped at the crossing on Monday (October 7).

Eyewitness Vickie Murray told the Herald it happened just after 10am and the stationary car was hit with “such speed/force it shunted the car onto the zebra crossing”. She added there was a pedestrian half way across the crossing at the time, but “luckily he was aware and able to jump out of the way”.

And it wasn’t the first incident at the roundabout, with members of Facebook group Whitehill & Bordon Community Board reporting previous “shunts”, with one user adding: “One a week seems to be the average at the moment”.

The crossings are currently used by pupils walking to Bordon Infant and Junior schools, and will soon be used by those walking to Oakmoor School when the school opens on November 11.

Councillor Andy Tree, leader at Whitehill Town Council, said: “As a fairly new driver, having passed my test in November 2018, the new layout does concern me and as a parent of a child at Mill Chase, I am most concerned of all about him using it to walk to Oakmoor when it opens.

“I hope Hampshire County Council will be able to reassure the public that it is safe and why other options would have been less safe?”

Deputy leader of the county council and executive member for economy, transport and environment, Cllr Rob Humby said: “I appreciate that drivers are having to get used to this new road layout but would like to reassure people that the design and delivery was done taking into account national guidelines and emerging government thinking. We consulted with the community on the plans last summer.

"Since completion, the new road layout has passed two safety audits and will be undertaking a post scheme safety audit as we do after all new highways projects are delivered.

“Please can I remind drivers to drive carefully at all times and take notice of the new signs promoting the new road layout and crossings.

"The new parallel zebra crossing, also known as Tiger crossing, has been installed so both pedestrians and cyclists can safely cross the road.

"A parallel zebra crossing means drivers must slow and stop for pedestrians and cyclists when they approach the crossing and allow them to cross. Equal priority must be given to pedestrians and cyclists.

“With Budds Lane being home to the new Oakmoor School and Bordon Infant and Junior schools, I hope drivers take particular care along this section of road.

"Our Travel Planning Team has been working with pupils, staff and parents at the schools to educate them about the new road layout and how it should be properly used.

"Leaflets will go home to parents about the new road layout and school assemblies have been held on the topic as well as general road safety advice. A localised ‘travel to school access map’ is due to go home with pupils shortly.

“The pedestrian and cycling upgrades to Budds Lane form part of the Green Grid Loop – seven miles of improved footpaths and cycleways around the town.

"This scheme is part of a range of transport improvements to support the successful regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon which will integrate new developments with the existing town and are designed to encourage people to walk and cycle more.”

But, while Cllr Tree “appreciates” the response, he said it “does not answer the specific safety questions people have been raising over actual incidents”.

He further encouraged those with safety concerns to email [email protected] .