Could cones be responsible for a chain of accidents at the Vogue Gyratory roadworks?
The worried driver who filmed this YouTube video certainly thinks so.
Since the roadworks started last month, they’ve witnessed three accidents at the junction, which they believe were all caused at least in part by the positioning of the cones.
The driver, who regularly drives along Lewes Road, said: “I’ve seen three accidents now since the roadworks started, and the cones seem to have played a part in all of them.
“The problem is that the traffic charges ahead without realising the lane ahead is merging around the corner.
“You are always seeing vehicles braking sharply to avoid a crash, or veering into the outside lane.
“What would happen if there was traffic queuing for Sainsbury’s – where would the traffic go then? The lane should be coned off before the lights.”
The first accident they witnessed was on the afternoon of Sunday, July 20, between a car and the number 78 bus.
Then on Saturday, July 26, a taxi crashed with a van.
Finally, at 2.20pm on Sunday (August 3), a car and a bus crashed in the same spot.
A council spokesperson said after checking with police no record could be found of the accidents, but that extra cones and signage would be introduced as a result of the concerns raised.
He said: “With regards to the merging traffic in the northbound carriageway at the Vogue Gyratory we have installed advance warning signs showing the start of the roadworks and a further warning sign indicating a narrowing carriageway ahead.
“This is standard signage, consistent with national guidelines, and has been in place since the start of the roadworks.
“However, in light of the concerns raised we will be increasing the number and visibility of signs and are reviewing the positioning of the traffic cones on this approach.
“Our contractors are carrying out daily risk assessments and have reported that the traffic is generally flowing well.”
A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove Bus Company said: “As a result of the two incidences reported, we are in discussions with the council to review and assess the current layout of the cones and road signs at this particular location of the Vogue Gyratory.”
Of course the police won’t if details exchanged . notice it’s now cones before the junction
Of course the police won’t if details exchanged . notice it’s now cones before the junction
If the council contractors had put out the correct chapter 8 that they should have done then most of these accidents would not of happened.
If the council contractors had put out the correct chapter 8 that they should have done then most of these accidents would not of happened.