A NEW roundabout on York's outer ring road has been branded "dangerous" because of a road sign which is believed to block the view of drivers.

Skelton and Rawcliffe councillor Mark Waudby, claims the keep left sign, which is on a traffic island approaching the A19/A1237 Shipton Road roundabout, creates a blind spot for drivers wishing to turn right into Manor Lane.

Coun Waudby today called on highways officers to replace the sign with a smaller version.

The roundabout, which will be officially opened tomorrow by Coun Dave Merrett, City of York Council's executive member for planning and transport, has been enlarged to help ease congestion along the outer ring road.

Coun Waudby said: "I find it amazing that after so much hard work and time has been taken to make this roundabout safer for both motorists and pedestrians, that this dangerous blind spot has been created.

"A number of residents have already complained about having near misses when they are trying to turn right into Manor Lane.

"When you are waiting to turn right you simply cannot see oncoming traffic.

"If the sign could be replaced with a small model like the ones you usually find at traffic islands then visibility would be improved."

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "Coun Waudby has not brought this matter to the attention of officers and it would be helpful if he could contact us as soon as possible.

"Obviously we will look at it, but the project is actually going through its completion safety audit at the moment."

Skelton resident Bob Mapplebeck, who is a regular user of the roundabout, said: "Any strangers to the area using the roundabout may find it very confusing, because the directions are painted on the road.

"I think the markings need to be a bit clearer, but I'm not sure how it could be done without making it worse."

The £2.2 million roundabout improvements scheme was a joint project between the Highways Agency and City of York Council.

Updated: 11:37 Monday, February 11, 2002