NEW road markings on the Bruce Street Bridges junction has caused frustration among Swindon drivers this weekend.

As all major roadworks on the junction completed at the weekend, motorists have spoken of their confusion over the new give way signs when crossing into Rodbourne Road.

Rodbourne resident Gary Lawton said the new layout was an “accident waiting to happen".

He said: “Drivers are coming from the Outlet Village along Kemble Drive and stopping as they approach the roundabout waiting for drivers wanting to drive into Rodbourne, when according to the new road signs and layout they have right of way.

"I know it's just a matter of time before there is a serious accident on this junction.

“As if the lanes and traffic lights aren't confusing enough. It’s taken them nearly two years and still not finished. I'll give it one month before they are back changing the lines and right of way.”

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said the council planned to carry out an audit to ensure maximum safety at the junction.

“The new junction appears to be working well, but there will inevitably be a short period where drivers need to get used to the new road layout," he said.

“The section in question is a give way junction. Our advice to motorists is take the new roundabout carefully, and don’t presume you know the layout. Give way as you would on any other junction of this type.

“The road markings have now been painted and the traffic signals are about to be turned on which will make navigating the new junction even easier.

"A standard safety audit will be carried out when the traffic signals are in operation to consider if any improvements are needed to help motorists.”

The £8m scheme, which began work in September 2014, is part of the Great Western Way traffic improvement scheme, which aims to improve traffic flow and reduce queuing time at four different junctions - Bruce Street Bridges, the Cockleberry Roundabout, the North Star roundabout and the Transfer Bridges junction.

The project saw the replacement of the four mini-roundabouts with a more efficient single roundabout and the introduction of a traffic signal-controlled junction at Newcombe Drive to improve access into the Hawksworth Industrial Estate from Great Western Way.

Days after the 18-month work completed on the hotly anticipated junction, vandals have also defaced one of the new roundabout signs.

A council spokesman said: “Tagging such as this is an eyesore. The fact it has been daubed on a brand new road sign is even more disappointing.

“Those who deface public and private property in this way should remember they are running the risk of a criminal record, a substantial fine and, in the worst cases, even a spell in prison.

“Our StreetSmart team have been alerted to this criminal damage and will clean it off as soon as possible."

You can report graffiti online at swindon.gov.uk/graffiti or by calling the council on 01793 445501.