Chester: Fountains Roundabout trial results lead to permanent changes
Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed plans to make permanent changes at the Fountains Roundabout in Chester following a two-stage trial held this summer.
Phase one of the scheme involved switching off the permanent traffic signals at the roundabout to assess how traffic flowed without them.
Two weeks later, phase two began, introducing a temporary pedestrian crossing on St Oswald’s Way after a number of people were seen crossing between traffic rather than using the subway.
Surveys carried out before and during the trial found a 120 per cent increase in people crossing the road once the temporary crossing was installed.
During one 24-hour period, 1,924 people used the temporary crossing. Use of the subway fell by 29 per cent during the same period, showing a preference for crossing at street level.
The temporary signal crossing experienced reliability problems during the trial, causing some delays to the wider highway network.
The council said a permanent version would use modern technology linked to Chester’s urban traffic control system to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.
An online survey about the trial received 3,063 responses in 17 days. According to the results, 90 per cent of respondents supported keeping the permanent traffic lights switched off.
Eighty-four per cent of pedestrians and 88 per cent of drivers said the trial had improved their journeys.
The council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan identifies the junction as a key walking and wheeling route into the city from the north, used by residents and students. The trial was funded by Active Travel England.
Following a review of survey data and engineering assessments, the council decided in July to keep the signals switched off. Engineers have since worked with Active Travel England to agree next steps.
Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, 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 take place in the coming weeks to remove street furniture and barriers, with the permanent scheme expected to be completed in spring 2026.
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