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Residents back new Dutch-style roundabout

George Carden
BBC News, Chichester
George Carden/BBC A white small car leaving the roundabout and grey small car entering the roundabout. They are crossing over the green painted cycle lane and zebra crossing which are empty in the picture. The area is built up with housing and there is a pub in the backgroundGeorge Carden/BBC
The roundabout in Chichester features a dedicated cycle lane and zebra crossings at each entrance and exit

Residents have given their seal of approval to a Dutch-style roundabout which has opened in Chichester.

The Westgate roundabout near the Cathedral is the third of its kind in the country, following projects in Sheffield and Cambridge.

The design - which gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians - has a cycle lane separated from the road around the edge and zebra crossings on each exit.

Chichester resident Roger Mallock said: "It's so great, there's space and a feeling that it's safe when you cross this which actually wasn't the case [before].

"It's really important to have opportunities for people to travel in a safe and controlled manner and this offers that."

Sophie Cotton, another resident, said: "It's good if you're prioritising cyclist and pedestrians. It's a good step forward for the environment and people in general."

George Carden/BBC The green cycle lane which goes around the roundabout's perimeter. It's reflecting the sky as it has been raining. There is an icon of a bike and arrow painted on the lane in white. In the background are houses and one of the crossing pointsGeorge Carden/BBC
A dedicated cycle lane goes around the perimeter of the roundabout

Louise Simpson added: "I think it looks really smart but I do think we will need our wits about us with the new layout."

The roundabout cost £950,000 and was paid for by the developer behind the 750-home West of Chichester development.

The first Dutch-style roundabout opened in Cambridge in 2020 and the second in Sheffield in December last year.

This roundabout project, which started in June last year, is being paid for by developers Miller Homes and Vistry Southern, according to West Sussex County Council.

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