MOTORISTS have being caught performing U-turns to avoid a bus lane... around roadworks for a new traffic island to stop them doing it.

Essex Highways has started work to install the island outside Lewis Gardens in Colchester.

Motorists regularly use the junction, just off East Hill, to avoid penalties from going from the High Street and into the Queen Street bus lane.

Cones, red fencing and signs were put up around the location on Monday but drivers ignored the obstruction and simply drove round it.

Colchester Civic Society and the Roman and Castle Road Residents’ Association have already raised concerns it will cause more problems.

Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher took pictures of drivers manoeuvring round the roadworks on Monday.

Mr Goacher said he feared it would only be time before accident was caused.

“I went along about 5pm and there was all kinds of chaos going on,” he said.

“Cars were coming down as usual and seeing that the roadworks were there and were just driving round it.

“Some were stopping and doing three point turns on East Hill. It was right in the middle of the road and was slowing down the traffic.

“Others were just driving down to Firstsite turning round and driving back.

“If when it is finished it is no bigger then people will just drive around it.”

Mr Goacher said there were also concerns the new road island would just move the problem elsewhere.

He said: “The situation at Lewis Gardens is dangerous and the problem is people will find ways round it.

“We won’t want them using Roman Road and Castle Road.”

READ MORE: Calls for U-turn on bus lane strategy and plans for traffic island in town

Kevin Bentley, County Hall’s infrastructure boss, said: “I absolutely understand residents’ concerns about this issue and would urge any drivers travelling through this area, to do so safely and responsibly, and not put other road users at risk by performing dangerous manoeuvres.

“The current installation of a traffic island at the junction is a pilot scheme and will be monitored going forward to assess its impact.

“Officers are also actively looking at other appropriate solutions such as installing bollards and revise kerbing in efforts to discourage motorists from making what have proved at times dangerous U-turns at this location.

“I met with local residents last week and what they told me will also be used to inform this work.”