Council provides update on trial at Fountains Roundabout in Chester

Following this summer’s two-stage trial at the Fountains Roundabout, Cheshire West and Chester Council has provided an update on its findings.

Phase 1 of the scheme saw the permanent traffic signals at the roundabout turned off, to assess how the junction operated.

Phase 2 of the trial began two weeks later, where a temporary pedestrian crossing was installed across St Oswald’s Way to help pedestrians crossing the road.  This was reviewed due to the number of pedestrians found to be crossing between traffic at this location and not wanting to use the sub-way.

To assess the impact of the trial, surveys were undertaken both before and during the trial, to assist with evaluating the success of the temporary crossing.  

Some key findings are as follows.

• The number of people crossing the road increased by 120% once the temporary crossing was installed.
• During one 24-hour period, 1924 people crossed the road utilising the temporary pedestrian crossing.
• The number of people utilising the subway dropped during the trial by 29%, illustrating a preference for using the temporary crossing rather than the subway.
• The temporary traffic signal crossing experienced reliability issues during phase two of the trial which caused unnecessary delays to the highway network. A permanent traffic signal crossing in this location would utilise the latest technology and be incorporated in Chester’s urban traffic control system which reduces congestion and maximises the efficiency of the road network.

During the trial period, the Council set-up an online survey to obtain feedback from members of the public on the impact of the trial. An impressive 3063 responses were received in just 17 days.  

Some key themes were:

• 90% of people agree with keeping the permanent traffic signals switched off.
• 84% of pedestrians agree that the trial has been beneficial for improving their journey.
• 88% of car drivers agreed that the trial was beneficial for improving their journey.

The Council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan identifies the junction as a key walking and wheeling gateway to the city from the north, used by many residents and students that live locally.  The trial was funded by a grant from Active Travel England.  Due to the initial survey results and engineering observations, a decision was taken in July to leave the permanent traffic signals switched off.  Over the last few months, engineers have worked with Active Travel England to review the trial results and feedback to agree a way forward.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“Many thanks to everyone who gave their feedback this summer.  A permanent design is now being undertaken to build on the success of the trial by removing the traffic signal control on the roundabout and to provide a new permanent pedestrian crossing on St Oswald's Way.”

Temporary works will be undertaken in the coming weeks to remove unnecessary street furniture and to remove the temporary barriers from site. 

The permanent scheme is then expected to be delivered in Spring 2026.