Why has there been a fence built on the grass verge alongside the road on the Wallasey Link Road onto the Bidston Roundabout? It seems dangerous to me as it blocks the view of the roundabout to check for oncoming traffic.

I think that's exactly why they've done it.

I have wondered that myself, seems silly, but there may be some method in their madness, maybe to make cars slow down before they join the roundabout

I noticed this yesterday morning a 5am when approaching in the dark and not knowing the fence had been put there, so seeing no lights on the roundabout just slowed slightly and pulled straight onto the roundabout. Luckily nothing was behind the fence really, it should have some fluorescent markers on it at least

Spotted it today, they may plant trees next to it aswell. It will def slow traffic down, not a bad thing.

It def needs markers on it though!!

Why does it need markers on it? The road signs and road markings tell you what is ahead.

Exactly!

I can see afew accidents happening there. Wiggi77- you'll be like many motorists, on your approach to the r/about not realising the fence is there obstructing the view.... and you pull out!!! Surely, giving the driver a better view of the traffic on the r/about is the sensible option especially given the national speed limits around there. A roundabout is a 'give-way' to allow traffic to flow not a 'stop'. The fences will cause tailbacks up the slip road as stationary cars are trying to join a fast flowing 40mph r/about.

There must have been some spare cash after fixing the m53 flyover or B&Q might have a sale on fences.

Because the people who have been driving down there for the past number of years in the dark may not see it and presume there is no traffic on the roundabout and proceed onto it when there is actually traffic behind the fence causing an accident. I'm all for slowing the traffic down but this just makes you need to stop virtually, what's the point?

I can understand the point of view regarding the fence slowing traffic down; also the night time problem - that could be very nasty.

However, when there was a clear view of traffic approaching from the right not only could you see but also judge the speed and adjust your own entrance onto the roundabout in a safe manner.

Anyone seen anything like it elsewhere?

How about this.

My first thought on seeing the fence was that it was going to be used for advertising businesses etc.?

Probably designed by a fellow idiot to the one who did St. James' roundabout. This fence is a road safety HAZARD!

Bob.

surely planning permission would be needed to erect a fence that tall??

The thread ended at this point guys

Really?

Would you call this edifice a fence, it does not block access but vision from both sides. Must be a blinder.

As part of the recently completed Bidston Viaduct refurbishment
project, it was agreed that the main contractor (Costain) would undertake
additional works to realign the entry leg to Dock Links North to try and
address a proven history of recorded personal injury accidents resulting
from traffic carrying high speeds from the A554 southbound approach
through onto the roundabout and up the slip road to the Docks Link North.



In conjunction with the entry-leg realignment, screening has also been
provided (to Highway Agency specification) to deliberately reduce
visibility and thereby force traffic to slow down and give way before
entering the roundabout. The provision of such screening is a recommended
method (see note re: 'Specialist advice' below) of restricting approach
visibility where the approach visibility of traffic on the circulatory
carriageway (or preceding entry) is too generous and results in vehicles
adopting an inappropriate high entry speed.

IMVHO rumble strips would have been the cheaper and safer option.

WRONG!
I'm sick of all that crap and speed bumps they put on the road wrecking my cars.

Rumble strips wouldn't have been cheaper than a wooden fence lol. Traffic lights would have been the best option but obviously the dearest.

That fence doesn't slow the traffic, everyone still pelts it towards the roundabout and if they need to, brake hard once traffic from the right is visible past the fence.

Agree with Ste. The fence that they have put up DOES THE JOB and in my view is NOT a hazard. Maybe they should have put up some equivalent of "new road layout" for the first couple of months just to pacify those who drive that route without total attention because of habit. However, by now the habit should be past.

I do not hang about at that junction and will admit that in the past I have viewed the traffic approaching on the roundabout and have adjusted my speed to merge into the flow - accepting the risk that this was not the brightest way to do things. Now I have to slow and LOOK - no bad thing either. Maybe now I "lose" a few seconds on the journey but it is safer.

As for speed bumps/ rumble strips - NO NO NO. Absolute menace they are.

Snod