Vast ‘Cyclops’ roundabout with 31 sets of traffic lights has plunged our city into ‘chaos’ – do you see how to use it?
RESIDENTS of a major city say it has been plunged into “chaos” by a vast “Cyclops” roundabout featuring 31 sets of traffic lights.
The new junction is designed with the aim of protecting cyclists on the busy main road.
However, it has seen a backlash from locals, with one councillor branding it “insanity”.
The roundabout used the so-called Cyclops design, standing for Cycling Optimised Protected Signals.
As the name suggests, it makes use of multiple sets of traffic lights on the entry and exit routes to shield the incorporated cycle lanes from vehicles.
The idea originated in the Netherlands and sees traffic held at the lights in all four directions while pedestrians and cyclists are split onto separate ring routes.
They then cross at the same time, protected by zebra crossings and yet more lights, before cars are allowed to flow through again.
It was installed in Cambridge as part of a £24 million infrastructure project run by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP).
But some residents don’t see it as an upgrade.
Shane Manning, the Tory candidate for the area in the upcoming election, told The Telegraph: “Thirty-one different traffic lights will cause chaos for all road and path users and make journeys more dangerous and more confusing.”
Another local agreed that the roundabout would cause “absolute chaos” for drivers.
The dozens of lights are currently under orange covers, with the junction set to open in the next few weeks.
Speaking in May Elisa Meschini, local councillor and chair of the GCP, pointed to the success of the first Cyclops junction already operating in the city.
She said: “The Cyclops junction has been an excellent addition to Histon Road, and this new junction will provide similar benefits to people travelling along Milton Road.
“It is part of our ambition to deliver first-class walking and cycling infrastructure to encourage more people to travel sustainability.”
A CGP spokesperson added: “Before we delivered improvements to the Milton Road/Elizabeth Way roundabout, there were no dedicated pedestrian crossing or cycling facilities at the junction.
“This created uncertainty for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists with 18 injury collisions recorded at the junction over the last five years.
“The revised roundabout – which is designed following national guidance and reflects the responses to public consultation – provides dedicated crossing points to improve safety for all road users alongside new cycling links to encourage more people to walk, wheel or cycle around the city.”