A DRIVER says work to repair fading road markings on a controversial roundabout couldn't come soon enough over fears someone could have been killed.

Stuart Fretwell says drivers using the mini roundabout on Wyke Road in Weymouth have faced confusion for years when they approach the junction.

But now, thanks to eroding road markings, he says the situation has been made worse.

“The junction of Portland Rd and Wyke Road, had - for as long as anyone could remember - been a straight-forward T-junction.

“Several years ago, it was changed to a mini roundabout; presumably to give those exiting from Portland Rd a better chance of turning right safely.

“Even when it was brand-new with its 'mini-roundabout' road-markings freshly-painted it caused consternation.

“It having been a normal junction for so long, drivers seemed unable to believe that it was now a roundabout. "The customary result has been that drivers from all directions stop - each waiting for the other to make the first move.

"Now, this has not been ideal - but at least they stopped.

"Currently, the road-markings are all but invisible- with the result that drivers exiting Portland Road and planning to turn right and head for Weymouth town, finding nothing approaching from their right, set off across the roundabout - only to be carved up by drivers from Lanehouse who seem to be totally unaware that there is a roundabout and don't even slow down.”

Mr Fretwell says this situation happens to him ‘several times each week’ and he has now had to start taking a route in to the town centre which avoids the roundabout altogether.

However, work is due to begin to improve pedestrian safety on the road will begin on March 9 - but in the meantime the road markings were completely removed yesterday (TUES).

As reported last December, Dorset County Council’s highways department is set to make £65,000 improvements including a built-out section that will be installed on Portland Road and an island crossing for pedestrians will be built on Wyke Road.

The plans were developed as part of the Local Transport Plan in consultation with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and members of All Saint’s Church.

The build-out would narrow part of Portland Road to about six metres and would reduce motorists’ speed as a result.

Parking spaces adjacent to the church on the western side of Portland Road would remain in place under the scheme.

A council spokesman said: "Work to improve pedestrian facilities at the Portland Road/Wyke Road junction is due to start on 9 March 2015. On completion, the road markings at the junction will be refreshed. Some of the road markings have been removed in advance of this work whilst the specialised plant was available."