Roundabout’s £2.3million cost drives locals round the bend after its original budget trebled
- Roundabout that prioritises cyclists and pedestrians over vehicles is criticised
- The project originally had an £800,000 budget but it costs went to £2.3million
- Planners were criticised for starting the project without checking for problems
Britain’s first roundabout that gives cyclists and pedestrians priority over vehicles has come under fire after its costs trebled to £2.3million.
Cambridgeshire County Council has been accused of ‘recklessly pushing ahead’ with the project, which originally had an £800,000 budget.
The council blamed the costs on ‘unexpected utility work’ and the pandemic.
Cambridgeshire County Council has been accused of ‘recklessly pushing ahead’ with the project (CGI image pictured), which originally had an £800,000 budget
But campaigners criticised planners for starting the project without initially checking for problems.
Edward Leigh, of Smarter Cambridge Transport, said the council had ‘recklessly pushed ahead with a scheme before completing detailed survey work’.
He added it may have been better to spend money on other cycling schemes.
Cambridgeshire County Council has been accused of ‘recklessly pushing ahead’ with the project, which originally had an £800,000 budget
And one local said: ‘This was never an accident blackspot. Just vain politics to brag about being a first in UK.’
The roundabout is based on a Dutch design.
Motorists using an inner ring have to let cyclists pass on a red outer ring. There are also zebra crossings for pedestrians at all four exits.
It was due to be finished in April but it is now expected to be completed next month.