A WORRIED resident is calling on safety experts to look at whether measures designed to calm traffic in a busy Poole road are creating danger.

A chicane was installed at the top end of Springfield Road, Parkstone, in 2004 with the aim of reducing the speed and volume of traffic travelling between North Road and Ashley Cross.

But Martin Campbell, who has lived in the road for 10 years, said: “Since they put in the chicane there have been so many accidents. I think somebody is going to get seriously injured or killed.

“The other night I came out of the house and a car was on its side. Not long ago, someone came down the road and went straight into the bollards. I’ve spoken to the police on a number of occasions and sent about 30 pictures to local councillors. They say they can’t do anything.”

Mr Campbell claims cars still speed through the traffic calming.

With some cars coming downhill already committed to going through the chicane when they encounter oncoming traffic, he has witnessed many confrontations.

“We’ve had them in the middle when they won’t let each other pass. In one case, a chap got out, swapped some verbals and kicked the other car, which reversed away. We hear the screeching of tyres and effing and blinding.

“Getting the car in and out of the drive is a daily nightmare. It’s just downright dangerous. I think it’s getting worse.”

Mr Campbell said the situation was made worse by allowing cars to park on both sides of the road. Some had been damaged as drivers swerved in to avoid priority traffic.

Steve Dean, senior traffic engineer for Poole council, said: “There have been concerns about the speed and volume of traffic using Springfield Road for many years.

“Following a consultation amongst local residents, the chicane was introduced to address these concerns.

“Traffic calming measures like this are not always popular, but the accident record in Springfield Road has improved since the chicane was introduced in 2004.”