A NEW traffic system has been branded ‘a total disaster’.

Beardwood with Lammack councillor Mike Lee was responding to complaints from residents and commuters over congestion on Preston New Road, Blackburn, stretching back miles during rush hour.

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The problems have been blamed on a new traffic island and pelican crossing at the junction with Meins Road to improve safety linked with the building of the new Olive Primary near the existing Tauheedul Islam Girls High and Westholme Schools.

Blackburn with Darwen Council highways boss, Cllr Phil Riley, said the situation was being ‘monitored’ but children’s safety must be the priority, He said the exit from Meins Road onto Preston New Road had been widened to ease the problems and under-highway sensors were assessing traffic flows.

Commuter Jim Fallows said: “Recently, a new light controlled pedestrian crossing opened on Preston New Road, Blackburn near the Woodlands pub.

“The lights on the central island appear to have been installed back to front in that they shield each other from the oncoming traffic.“

Another driver said: “The traffic can be shocking on Preston New Road and sometime stretches back to Samlesbury Hall in the morning.”

Cllr Lee said: “This new traffic island, and Pelican crossing is a total disaster. It is causing shocking delays to traffic on the way into Blackburn in the morning rush hour and the way out in the evening.

"I am told traffic flows are being monitored by sensors under the road. I accept that the safety of children must come first but something needs to be done.”

Cllr Riley said: “The safety of children must be the priority.”

“We have recently opened out the junction from Meins Road with as second lane which should ease the problems.

“We have under-highway sensors monitoring traffic flows.

“The Olive Primary will be an asset to Blackburn and is on a site previously used as a school.”