Lost drivers crash into our cars after driving wrong way

RESIDENTS of a Henley road have told of hit-and-runs and traffic chaos as cars attempt to use a cul-de-sac to access Townlands Memorial Hospital.

John Douglas and Chantel MacKenzie, of Clarence Road, said they have spent thousands of pounds repairing their cars that have been damaged by vehicles turning around in the road.

There is no access to the hospital via the road but they say several cars a day attempt to use it to get to the hospital.

The road has “no entry” signs at the top end bordering the hospital and a warning sign by the road name to indicate a no through road.

Residents say signs would be better placed at the road’s entrance so it can be clearly seen.

When Mr Douglas’s car was hit in July, with no note left by the driver responsible, it cost him £3,000 to repair the damage. He has raised his concerns with Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority.

Mr Douglas said cars sometimes reverse out on to the adjoining King’s Road, which is often busy with traffic travelling to and from the town centre.

“There’s going to be a fair old accident down there one day,” he said. His wife, Josie, added: “My grandkids wouldn’t have a chance, the way they speed down there.”

Liz Williams, who also lives in Clarence Road, said: “They’ve got no-entry signs at the top of the road but they never clean them. It’s not enough.”

Ms Williams said some people park in bays intended for Clarence Road residents and visitors and walk up to the hospital. She said it leaves elderly people and those using mobility aids in the middle of the road and without a dropped kerb to access the pavement.

She said: “We’re getting people that are panicking because they’re trying to get to the hospital. Some drive into flowerbeds.”

Ms Williams added that access and parking issues have resulted in some delivery companies and utility services refusing to serve her house as they cannot turn around.

Chantel MacKenzie lives in Clarence Road with her husband, Alasdair. The couple believe their car was damaged by a driver attempting a three-point turn.

The couple have noticed traffic issues ever since the new hospital was built in 2016 but said problems had worsened over the years with increasing numbers of cars.

She said some cars are directed up the road by satnav systems indicating there is access to Townlands at the top of the road.

Mrs MacKenzie said: “Unfortunately, the no-entry signs are incredibly faded but people ignore them anyway and come face-to-face with an ambulance trying to drive out.”

Following the introduction of Saturday morning blood tests at the hospital, Mrs MacKenzie said residents “don’t even get a break” at weekends.

She said that some drivers “abusing the situation” and parking in residents’ bays has led to her paying to park elsewhere.

As well as paying for her resident parking permit, Mrs MacKenzie said she pays £80 a year to park at the hospital during off-peak times on weekdays and on weekends.

She said: “This is no disrespect to Townlands. I’m so grateful we have them and staff there are amazing. It’s just, unfortunately, the road system isn’t working.

“There are easier ways for this council to assist that process. It’s not fair — we’ve lived here for years and we’re Henley residents that put money into the economy. It’s not how it should be.”

A resident who lives in King’s Road, who did not wish to be named, said the situation amounted to “utter stupidity”, adding: “It’s just a nightmare. I can see it from a distance. I see the carnage on a daily basis with cars trying to get up the road.”

County councillor Stefan Gawrysiak said that new signs will be installed at the road’s entrance.