Drivers who use a junction which was altered by the council to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians say it’s an “accident waiting to happen”.

Waltham Forest Council introduced a blended ‘Copenhagen’ crossing at the junction of Kingswood Road and Grove Green Road, Leytonstone earlier this year.

Neighbours say due to the narrowness of the junction, they are forced to either mount the pavement when turning left onto Grove Green Road, or drive onto the path of oncoming traffic.

Although the aim of the Copenhagen crossing is to slow cars down, residents say its poor design has made the junction into a hazard for walkers and drivers alike.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Everald Campbell, 60, of Poppleton Road said: “When I’m turning I either have to come so close to the kerb that I’m on the pavement or go onto the opposite side of the road.

“These are two terrible options and you don’t have a safe way in turning left.

“The traffic on the opposite side of the road comes around the bend at speed and if you’re only a second out it can cause an accident. I’m extremely concerned about it.”

Residents say they don’t have any problem when turning right onto Grove Green Road because there is sufficient space to make a wide turn.

But when there is a traffic jam on the main road they say it creates additional build-up when drivers are prevented from turning into Kingswood Road by a car unable to exit the side road.

Najma Mir of Floodgate Road said after 15 years of using the junction this is the first time it has caused problems for her.

Thee 56-year-old said: “I just find that I’m apprehensive at the junction.

“The wheels grate on the kerb unless you go right out onto the other side of the road. I think it’s dangerous.

“It’s always just that little bit I feel I’m going to get hit by - you just miss the cars by millimetres.

“They need to look at the fact that it’s on a bend and you need more space.”

Vaseem Gill, chairman of Forest Residents’ Association (FORA) is calling on the council to take action before someone gets hurt.

He said:  “Somebody not familiar with the area could just pull out not expecting to end up on the opposite side of the road which could result in an accident.”

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and lead member for the environment, said since the introduction of Copenhagen crossings in the borough, there have been no reported collisions with pedestrians.

He said: “The current design of the junction has tightened the angle to ensure vehicles slow to an appropriate speed to enter Kingswood Road, which is now a 20mph street.

“If it is approached at a safe speed vehicles will be capable of entering and exiting the junction safely. The dimensions of the junction are compliant with current government design guidelines.

“As part of the usual post-scheme technical evaluation and safety review that we undertake, we installed a temporary camera in August to monitor pedestrian, cyclist and motorist behaviours and interactions at this junction and are currently awaiting analysis.

“The review of the scheme will take place in due course.”