DRIVERS are being put at risk because a single traffic light is controlling three exits at a busy Bournemouth junction, says a former traffic officer.

Eddie O’Brien was nearly caught in a crash at the temporary lights on Charminster Road.

He said the council is using the same light to control cars also entering from Kings Road and Capstone Road.

Mr O’Brien, 54, from Kings Park, said: “Drivers see the green light and think they can all go. When there’s a traffic light, that controls it, not the box junction.

“I spoke to the grocer’s shop and they said they saw near misses every single day. I spoke to a police officer two weeks ago and they said they would tell the council.”

Mr O’Brien is also a former architectural draftsman who would design the roads on new estates.

The Daily Echo watched for half and hour and saw drivers pulling out sharply when they should have waited.

Several times, oncoming traffic could not clear the junction because it got stuck behind buses stopping near The Richmond Arms.

Rasti Khalil from Greek Café said: “We need a second set of traffic lights and they need to push this one back down Charminster Road.”

Resident Helen Johnson, looking on from the Richmond Arms terrace, said: “It’s dangerous. I used this junction every day but now I avoid it.”

The council is rebuilding the road and pavements at the junction with Alma Road.

Ian Kalra, transportation manager, said: “We have worked with the police throughout the works.

“We have been careful to ensure the lights are located so that there can be no safety issues with drivers exiting side roads and they should give way as normal.

“I would advise all drivers to take extra care and we continue to regularly check barriers and signage to ensure they are in place and are clear to both motorists and pedestrians.”