An unusual star shaped marking painted on a junction in east London has left drivers baffled.
The 12-pointed marking in Dagenham appeared on Friday afternoon, with motorists complaining that is was an accident waiting to happen.
Road-users commented they were unsure of the purpose of the marking, but the mystery soon unravelled when road safety charity Sustrans revealed it was part of community project DIY Porter’s Lodge, which asked residents to pick a design to mark the gateway to the area.
The star aims to slow traffic down on approach to the crossing and was inspired by crossings in Oxford Circus which allow people to cross diagonally. Bollards and signs are set to be planted to compliment the crossing.
Sustrans senior urban designer, Paola Spivach, said: “The star is designed to increase drivers’ awareness of the surroundings and to slow traffic speeds.
“We’ve already seen a big change, with cars travelling much slower –it’s an important step in making the streets in the neighbourhood places to live, play and spend time in, rather than just speed through.”
But the star, which is located at the junction of Gale Street, Rugby Road and Ivy Road, has sparked a mixed response from neighbours.
Elaine Hayward said on the project’s Facebook page: “This is so dangerous. I have to cross this junction regularly and no one knows who has right of way. I was nearly hit this morning. Accidents waiting to happen.
“I can't see how the junction will be safer when no cars are stopping - just joining the junction from all directions. I do hope the signs will make it clearer but they really should have been installed at the same time as the road marking.”
Lorraine Ridley described it as a ‘waste of money and time.’
She said: “Lots in the community not happy, people don't understand what it means. You may give an explanation on here but people who come to visit won't know it is no right of way now.”
