In October 2023, while traveling from Exeter to Crediton, I experienced a near-miss at the roundabout on the A377—locally known as “the Tesco roundabout”—which connects the A377 with Joseph Locke Way and Wellparks Hill. While driving in the right-hand lane to go straight across the roundabout towards the town centre, I narrowly avoided a collision with a vehicle "under-taking" in the left-hand lane. The other driver swerved onto the pavement at the roundabout exit, risking pedestrians' safety. Although no damage occurred, this incident could easily have resulted in damage to vehicles, injury to myself or the other driver, or even worse, severe injury to a pedestrian if someone happened to be walking on the path at that time.

The danger arises from the fact that the road markings approaching the roundabout from the Exeter direction have been allowed to fade and there is no sign indicating lane usage. Unlike standard roundabouts, local residents know that here the left lane is exclusively for turning left toward the Tesco Superstore, while the right lane is meant for going straight or turning right into Wellparks Hill. It was marked as such, ever since it was built, probably due to how narrow the road is around the roundabout. However, due to years of neglect in repainting these markings, visitors and non-local drivers mistakenly use the left lane to go straight across, leading to hazardous confusion.

 

 

(The image above shows lane markings known to locals since the roundabout was first installed, and how the local community still treats the roundabout)

 

 

(The image above shows the road markings as they are effectively today - faded, and barely visible, although the left arrow in the left lane is just about visible. This leads to dangerous confusion between locals who know the layout, and know the markings are here and have faded, and visitors who do not know anything, and so treat the left lane like most other roundabouts, where the left lane can be used to go straight across.)

To be clear, I am requesting repainting of the arrows/lane markings AND clear signage on the approach to the roundabout.

I initially reported the issue to Devon Highways on 6th October 2023 (Reference: ENQ231667766). Their response on 29th November 2023, and a later official complaint answered on 23rd May 2024, stated that faded lane arrows are not considered a safety defect and that repainting would only be considered as part of a wider remarking program, which they stated was scheduled for the financial year 2025/2026, but it was NOT clear these markings would be included in this work. Given the clear safety risks—including my own near-miss and numerous similar reports from local residents— to me, this response was unacceptable.

Well-maintained road markings are proven to reduce driver confusion and lower accident rates. Research by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) supports this, showing that clear markings significantly improve traffic flow and safety. Furthermore, increased traffic and footfall—exacerbated by newer developments such as Mole Avon (which did not exist when the roundabout was built) and the recent opening of a McDonald’s right next to this roundabout —demand immediate action.

 

 

(The image above shows the configuration of how local residents have always understood the flow of traffic around the roundabout, indicated by the red & blue lines. Red line, left lane = left turn ONLY, blue line, right lane = straight across, or turn right into Wellparks Hill. Both the lane markings and arrows have been allowed to fade and there has never been a sign on approach indicating lane usage)

This petition represents a collective call for safer road conditions. We urge Devon County Council/Devon Highways to promptly repaint the faded road markings and install additional signage to clearly delineate lane usage. Taking these steps will protect drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike and prevent potentially fatal accidents.

Please sign this petition to join us in demanding swift and effective action for public safety.