AN ISLAND on a busy road in Yate is being enlarged to stop drivers abusing a banned right turn.

The traffic island on Station Road, at its junction with Eggshill Lane, will be extended following two accidents and complaints from town councillors and residents.

South Gloucestershire Council has agreed to fund the project to cut down on the risk of accidents.

Motorists travelling towards Yate Town centre are currently restricted from turning right into Eggshill Lane, and the car park for the Tesco Express which is on the corner of the junction, but many abuse the ban because the traffic island is so small.

Town councillor Sue Walker said: "Many years ago a one-way system was put in on Eggshill Lane and the traffic island on Station Road at the request of local residents because it was used a rat run to Westerleigh Road.

"Having an island so close to a junction and the Tesco and Yate Parish Hall is not ideal and it has not been an easy thing to design.

"It is a confusing junction and I would welcome any improvements that will make it safer."

The council said: "South Gloucestershire Council has received complaints from local members, Yate Town Council and local residents regarding vehicles abusing the banned right turn restriction at the junction of Eggshill Lane and Station Road.

"There have been two slight personal injury accidents at this location in the last five years and to improve road safety at the junction a scheme was selected by the Frome Vale Area Forum for inclusion in the 2009/2010 Local Transport Capital Works Programme.

"The proposed scheme in Station Road, Yate is intended to reduce the number of vehicles abusing the banned right turn restriction by extending the central island."

The improvement package will include extending the island eastwards towards the traffic lights on Station Road and replacing existing bollards with reflective versions.

The scheme is expected to be completed later this year.