A SERIOUS accident could be caused by a pair of dark bollards on traffic islands on a busy road in Chesterton, says one Cirencester councillor.

Bollards in the centre of a crossing point in Chesterton Lane, near the Phoenix Surgery, were recently knocked down by a car, suspected of travelling too fast.

Reporting the issue to the Highways Agency, Cllr Roly Hughes, who represents Chesterton on Cirencester Town Council, has said that the bollards not only needed to be replaced, but they needed to be more visible, so drivers can see them at night.

“The car must have been speeding so lost control and took out the bollards. The rear light and bumper were on the road,” said Cllr Hughes.

“Highways told me they were aware of the missing bollards and are ordering replacements shortly. I’m not happy with that. Chesterton Lane is a very busy road and someone is going to get hurt one day.”

Cllr Hughes believes the bollards need to be more luminous, and suggested having a reflector on them so drivers will know they are there when approaching the crossing.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said there would be no need for illuminated bollards as they are based in a street-lit area.

“We’re aware that bollards have been knocked down on Chesterton Lane and we made the area safe as soon as we were notified,” said highways manager Richard Gray.

Workers returned to the site last week to do more to make the area safe after the concrete foundation to the posts became exposed.

“We’ll be making arrangements for a permanent repair shortly,” said Mr Gray.

Chesterton Lane is not far from Deer Park School and is a popular route for pupils walking or cycling to and from the school.

“It’s a very busy road for parents taking their children to school and people coming home from work,” added Cllr Hughes. “I talked to one parent who said they won’t take their children over that crossing because it’s too dangerous.

“The nights are getting darker now.”