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Colourful Berkshire junction remains divisive two years after £5.5m makeover
Overview
Two years after a £5.5m redesign featuring colourful leaf designs, the California Crossroads in Finchampstead, Berkshire, continues to divide opinion. While Wokingham Borough Council defends the project for reducing car dominance and creating a community-focused space with no reported accidents, some local residents and detractors argue the layout is unclear and confusing.
Key points
- The California Cross junction in Finchampstead underwent a £5.5m makeover completed in September 2024.
- Wokingham Borough Council states the project has achieved its goals of moving away from a car-dominated junction to a community-focused area.
- Adrian Betteridge from the council confirmed there have been no reported accidents since the changes.
- A petition signed by about 1,500 people previously called for the junction to be changed.
- Critics and some residents argue the lack of standard road markings and the colourful leaf designs create confusion for drivers and children.