CAMPAIGNERS say not enough has been done to improve Weymouth's traffic system.

They claim motorists are continuing to face problems despite Dorset County Council pledging to look at the Weymouth Transport Package (WTP) 18 months ago.

DCC says it has made some changes but will not be acting further after a road safety audit examining the accident rate - the final evaluation of the scheme - identified no major issues and concluded the accident rate was about average for an 'urban area'.

Traffic lights replaced main roundabouts during 2010 and 2011 as DCC looked to improve traffic flows in the run-up to the Olympics.

But there has been criticism of the £16m WTP due to increased congestion and problem junctions, as well as claims it was a 'waste of money'.

Residents Ken Whatley and Dave Burchill succeeded at the end of 2013 in getting the council to re-examine the system and make changes. The council says issues have been addressed and the matter is now closed.

But Mr Whatley believes there is work to be done.

He said: "It's been 18 months since the council announced it was going to make changes and, following meetings and assurances and things going backwards and forwards, we feel we have been worn down.

"We feel like giving up.

"The seafront continues to be congested and I still think the Asda junction is dangerous."

He added: "They may say the accident rate is low but it doesn't take into account the near misses and the minor shunts which do not get reported."

Mr Burchill said: "How they can say the traffic system is better now is beyond me. At times the queues are solid."

The council announced in 2013 it may be able to make changes to the harbour crossroads near Asda but has now said this will not happen until the end of the year and will be in line with the town masterplan.

A yellow hatched box has been installed in King Street but Mr Whatley says it is too small and cars are blocking the pedestrian crossing to avoid it.

Some signage for pedestrians and motorists has been added but Mr Whatley argues some of these are hard to read.

DCC also said it would discuss with Condor Ferries about possible changes on the congested seafront where two lanes have been brought down to one. Mr Whatley claims now the ferry company has left the council no longer sees this as an issue even though the Esplanade continues to be clogged up.

PAUL Hannam, DCC principal engineer, said: “Now that the fire station has closed and fewer buses use North Quay, we propose to make some small changes to the junction. These changes will be affected by the emerging Town Centre Masterplan and the McCarthy and Stone development so will not be carried out until the end of the year.
“The council met with Mr Whatley and Mr Burchill in March where it was agreed that all of the issues raised with the Chief Executive in October 2013 had been addressed and were closed. Two signing issues are still being investigated.”
The council said an independent in-depth Road Safety Audit had been completed for the WTP looking at accidents in the last three years since the scheme was completed. It aimed to identify any problems and suggest any measures to reduce accidents.
Between July 26, 2011 and July 25 2014 There were 38 injury collisions in the area under scrutiny. They do not show any pattern that suggests a suitable treatment.
The only significant treatable problem was identified at Asda store entrance and any changes would have to be negotiated.
The auditors suggested collisions at Westham Crossroads junction should be monitored for a further two years.