Ref. 29397-17A DRIVING instructor fears a new road junction will create an accident black spot. After months of disruption, traffic lights are up and running at the junction of High Street and Wharf Road in Wroughton.

But motorists are unimpressed and predict big problems to come.

Driving instructor Richard Rand, 64, reckons the new road markings are so confusing that it is only a matter of time before someone has an accident at the junction.

He said: "Surely developers should make junctions as simple and straight forward as possible.

"At the moment cars turning right into Wharf Road from High Street have a choice.

"They can follow the arrows on the road, which will take them blindly on to the right hand side of Wharf Road.

"Or they can illegally drive over the markings so they can safely get on to correct side of Wharf Road.

"All that's needed is a slight delay in the road, such as a lorry taking its time, and cars will be stuck in the middle of the road facing oncoming traffic when the lights switch to green."

The instructor, who has been teaching for 34 years, says the High Street is too narrow to merit a junction of that size.

"What's wrong with a normal give-way system?" he asked.

"Even a roundabout would have been better than this.

"At least people know what they're about. It's just not been thought about carefully enough."

Mr Rand believes Swindon is becoming a nightmare for drivers.

"Swindon has far too many junctions that require local knowledge.

"Learner drivers or those who are not familiar with the area find themselves in real trouble as they attempt to negotiate these tricky junctions."

Bob Collins, who is warden of the nearby Ellendune Hall, said the junction has caused a major headache for almost two years.

"It's been a comedy of errors," he said.

"The traffic lights were put up around six months ago, but they've only just been switched on.

"It's causing drivers such as myself, and residents, a great deal of disruption.

"They have dug up the area outside the Co-op supermarket four times now while this has been going on.

"People are waiting to see what else they're going to do."

Gavin Calthrop, spokes-man for Swindon Council, admitted the junction was causing problems.

He said: "The traffic lights have only been in operation since Monday and there will inevitably be a bedding in period during which motorists get used to the system.

"Swindon Council is monitoring the new scheme closely and alterations will be made if they are needed.

"So far, we have not received any complaints but we are happy to talk to anyone about concerns they may have."

Kevin Shoesmith