Faded road markings to be updated at ‘chaotic’ roundabout

THE left-turn-only arrow approaching the roundabout in Bowerhill on Pathfinder Way is due to be removed, with the lane reverting back to how it was originally used before the Pathfinder Place development was built.  

The move follows residents’ complaints that the roundabout was causing chaos, and was an accident waiting to happen. When the markings were added, it meant that the left-hand lane showed an arrow indicating that the lane should be used for left-turning traffic only. However, over time, the arrow has faded, leaving motorists confused as to which lane to use. 

“I use the roundabout regularly to go from Bowerhill into Melksham, but the faded markings make it very confusing,” says a resident. “I have been using the right-hand lane when going straight over, as there were once clear markings indicating the left-hand lane was for those using the first exit only.   

“However, there are often other cars using the left lane to go straight over, which is causing chaos on the roundabout at busy times. It is an accident waiting to happen.”  

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, cllr Nick Holder, said that the developers of the adjacent housing estate at Pathfinder Place were ‘obliged’ to update the road markings when the development was complete. Now, he said the revised lining work is scheduled for 10th April and until then, drivers must continue to observe the faint arrow.  

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said, “We have engaged with the relevant planning authorities throughout all stages of development at Pathfinder Place. We remain in regular contact with Wiltshire Council and works to update the road markings are expected to be complete by the end of this month.”