Two years after its £5.5m colourful makeover, the California Crossroads in Finchampstead, Berkshire, continues to elicit mixed opinions from local residents. Wokingham Borough Council completed the project in September 2024.
Critics have described the junction as unclear and an "accident waiting to happen". Last year, a petition calling for the junction to be changed gathered around 1,500 signatures.
However, Adrian Betteridge, the council's executive member for active travel, transport and highways, stated that the authority's goals for the junction have been met. He noted that there have been no reported accidents at the crossing since the changes were implemented.
The junction, which includes two roundabouts with distinctive white leaf pedestrian crossings and rainbow leaf road markings, was intended to shift away from being car-dominated. Resident Naomi Bewick expressed concerns that the lack of clear directions could confuse drivers, while Mary Bicknell found the leaf designs on the crossings potentially confusing for children, though she noted no problems had arisen.