Call for action on '˜profoundly dangerous' roundabout

Pic of Kilnwood Vale roundabout (off the A264 at Faygate, mid way between Horsham and Crawley). Drivers complain that the north-bound approach to the roundabout is dangerous with confusing lane markings. Pic Steve Robards SR1608707 SUS-160321-192218001

Drivers say there have been a string of accidents at the Kilnwood Vale roundabout on the A264 near Faygate since it was opened and that it is ‘only a matter of time before someone is killed.’

They say road markings are confusing and there is an adverse camber on the outside of the road - and are now calling for action.

A Horsham paramedic who travels the stretch of road every day said: “There are an awful lot of accidents on the roundabout - I have personally seen a lorry on its side and two vehicle crashes.”

He said the road was littered with skid marks and added: “I don’t know of another roundabout in the county - and I travel all over as a paramedic - that is so bad.

“Mercifully, no-one has been seriously inhjured yet as far as I am aware, but it doesn’t mean that there haven’t been dozens and dozens of accidents. I think it’s profoundly dangerous.”

He said a speed limit should be introduced in the area and warning signs should be erected alerting drivers to the adverse camber.

He said he had reported problems to the police and to West Sussex County Council but nothing had been done.

Other drivers have taken to social media to complain about the roundabout. One said her daughter-in-law had been run off the road there by a lorry driver.

Another said she used the road daily to and from work. “Many a time I have had cars stray into my lane and have had to use the horn. People do not drop their speed hence why I also believe a bad accident will happen one day.”

And another pointed out that it was necessary to reduce speed on approaching the roundabout to stay within the road markings, but many did not do so.

There are fears that the problem will get worse with an increase in traffic expected following the go-ahed for 72 new homes to be built in the area.

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said: “Independent safety reviews have been carried out and we continue to monitor the safety of the roundabout on a monthly basis.

“We are aware of local concerns and if we see evidence to show the roundabout has become unsafe, we will take appropriate action.”