By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
A private hire driver has blasted the “total confusion” he believes is being caused by roadworks for the “nonsense” new cycle lane through Gloucester city centre.
Updated temporary traffic restrictions have been introduced in London Road to complete the cycle path works between Alvin Street and the railway bridge.
However, there is concern the new road signs are not being seen amid a claim that hundreds of cars are being driven past no entry signs to access Great Western Road, when travelling towards the city centre.
Private hire driver Hussain Vorajee, of Adelaide Cars, is calling on Gloucestershire Highways to sort out the confusion before somebody gets hurt.
He spoke out about the issue on October 7 and filmed one driver going past the no entry sign.
“Once again Gloucestershire Highways have left the drivers in total confusion,” he said in the video.
“How are we going to sort this out? It says no entry but hundreds of cars are still going through.
“We’ve already got so many issues around Gloucester, especially around the A40 which is causing hours and hours of traffic from around the Forest of Dean into Gloucester.”
He believes the road signs are unclear.
“These small signs don’t mean anything,” he said. “Cars are still going in.
“Absolute havoc. It’s causing massive issues. Cars don’t have a clue.”
He went on to say he believes it is going to “keep happening until there’s a major accident or someone gets injured”.
“Gloucestershire get it sorted otherwise there are going to be massive issue.
“Until they get this nonsense cycle lane sorted.”
Councillor Roger Whyborn (LD, Benhall and Up Hatherley), who is the cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety at Gloucestershire County Council, said the new traffic arrangements have been introduced to allow the cycle spine work to be completed safely and efficiently.
“The current one-way system has closed London Road to traffic towards the city centre beyond Alvin Street. This has been carefully planned, with diversion routes and clear signage in place to support road users,” he said.
“While we recognise there has been some disruption, this approach was chosen as the least impactful option, helping to minimise impacts on emergency vehicle access to and from Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
“It can take a few days for motorists to adjust to new traffic arrangements, and we are continuing to monitor traffic movements closely.
“We thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while these important improvements are completed. The project remains on track for completion in December 2026.”