The filter-in-turn system opened at the junction between Barras Lane, Pleinheaume Road, and Pleinheaume Lane in the Vale late last week after concerns had been raised about the limited visibility for traffic exiting both lanes on to the main road.
Dominic Burchett, owner of Webster Opticians, which sits on one corner of the crossroads, started campaigning for the junction to become a filter after his business moved to the area in 2024.
‘Its always been a dangerous crossing, cars coming up the road go too fast and the mirrors people used to see whether anything is coming were always fogged up,’ he said.
‘The junction is busier than ever with us being here and a number of other businesses starting up nearby. It’s taken a year but we are really glad to see it in place.’
He said the reaction of customers had only been positive.
‘What would be the negative? It forces people to slow down and makes everyone safer.’
The filter was painted on Thursday but Mr Burchett said that rather than a permanent change, this was currently a one-year trial.
‘We really want it to stay and have started a petition to make sure it stays in place,’ he said. ‘Hopefully there will be no going back.’
Another local business owner, Sergio Gois, opened the Station Cafe in what was the Island Motor Company building in July last year.
‘All our customers are happy with the change,’ he said.
‘It was a very dangerous crossroads. When it was raining you could not see in the mirrors to see traffic and it was the same when it was too sunny. Now you just slow down, and you move out in turn. Everyone’s getting used to it really quickly.’
Chris Waltho worked at the TV shop Gilroys which used to be in the Websters building.
‘I really wish it had been there when we were open,’ he said. ‘Accidents were quite common. It’s a double blind corner, so having a filter there is a very good move.’