WORRIED residents have demanded a ban on right-hand turns at a dangerous road junction after a motorcyclist was seriously injured in a crash there on Sunday.

People living in South Woodford have been calling for the restriction to be introduced at the junction of Chelmsford Road and Woodford New Road for more than a decade, after dozens of accidents involving motorists trying to pull across into the northbound lane.

Their calls have so far gone unanswered because of objections from residents in Fullers Road, who claim the measure would simply push more traffic down their street instead.

But campaigners have decided enough is enough after the latest crash - which left a motorcyclist needing hospital treatment for arm injuries after a collision with a sports car - and demanded no right hand turns be introduced in Chelmsford Road, Fullers Road and Empress Avenue at the same time.

Tony Barnard, of Derby Road, has been monitoring the situation at the Chelmsford Road junction since the early 1970s.

He said: "That junction is very dangerous, and it is obvious that if they make it a no right hand turn then it will improve safety dramatically.

"Practically all the accidents there are caused by people trying to turn right.

"When you pull out right you have to take into account about nine or ten things at the same time which is pretty difficult for anyone to do.

"There are regular accidents there and this is just going to carry on until something is done."

Frank Cruder, head of the local neighbourhood watch group, said the current situation was putting lives at risk and causing huge traffic jams throughout the area.

He said: "When people try to turn right out of Chelmsford Road it can take a very long time to find a gap, which leads to traffic backing up as far back as Carnarvon Road.

"This means people often can't get out of their drives in the morning, and really pollutes the area too.

"A no right turn restriction would definitely improve things."

Some residents believe the situation was made worse by the introduction of a controversial traffic bollard at the junction several years ago - with many motorists colliding with the island as they pull out of the road.

The motorcyclist involved in Sunday's crash was taken by ambulance to Whipps Cross Hospital.

His injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

A Redbridge Council spokeswoman said: "This matter has been raised before and the council has considered a number of possible options to try and address the concerns of residents.

"Consultations have been carried out throughout the area and results fed back to the relevant committee.

"Consultation results demonstrate there is no local consensus regarding changes to the current road system and controls so members have not felt it appropriate to agree any changes."