Ipswich resident annoyed by crashes at prominent junction

A resident believes that the signalled junction of Princes Street and Civic Drive has caused drivers a lot of confusion, resulting in crashes. 

In a Freedom of Information request sent to Suffolk police, it was revealed that the junction had eight traffic collisions between July 2021 and June 2024.

During the same timeframe, roundabout junctions at Civic Drive with Star Lane and Handford Road have had two and six collisions respectively, while the Norwich Road junction has nearly 18 collisions. 

However, the resident believes that Princes Street takes on less traffic than Norwich Road.

It has been revealed there were eight crashes at this junction in three years.

He said: "It may be eight reported incidents but every week I see drivers confused and angry with each other. 

"There are so many small incidents many of which may not be reported.

"Improved and clear road markings are an absolute necessity."

He also added that the junction should be turned back into a roundabout as that would make it clearer for the drivers. 

The road used to be a roundabout until 2013 when Suffolk County Council decided to change it to make the junction better for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The junction used to be a roundabout until 2013. (Image: Archant)

A Suffolk Highways said: "In an urban environment traffic signals are considered a safer method to manage traffic compared to roundabouts as it allows pedestrians and cyclists to travel and cross safely. 

"Before and following the construction of the traffic signals at Princes Street and Civic Drive, the junction was subject to multiple safety audits."

Meanwhile, Suffolk police has issued a warning urging motorists to drive with care and vigilance. 

A Suffolk police spokesman said: “We’d always urge motorists to drive with care and vigilance wherever they are travelling in a vehicle.

"We continue to work with our local partners using a variety of methods to try and reduce the number of collisions across the county.

"We also continuously review our pro-active patrols based on collision and incident data."