Wokingham Council debates a petition for safety improvements to the redesigned California Crossroads junction.
The redesign cost £5.5 million. It replaced the double roundabout with a leaf design. The goal was to make it easier for people to walk. White leaves show crossing spots, replacing zebra crossings. The design is not popular.
Over 1,600 people signed Harper’s petition. The petition asks for safety improvements. Harper presented it on March 4. He spoke to a council committee.
The junction opened in September 2024. Chris Easton, a highways officer, said they monitor it. He said there’s no proof it’s unsafe. No accidents occurred in six months. He said they would act if accidents happen. Easton said the industry likes the project.
The council nominated it for an award. Harper compared it to the Horizon scandal. He said the council ignores concerns. He thinks they should listen to users and experts now. Harper asked why the council rejected audit suggestions.
These included central islands and road markings. Easton said changes would ruin the leaf design. They would also affect the open crossing. Committee members disagreed with Easton.
Dave Edmonds said safety matters more than design. He prefers a safe roundabout to a “theme park” design. Council leader Stephen Conway said the project had been handled carefully. It dates back to 2015.