ROAD rage is still a problem more than 12 months after controversial traffic calming measures were introduced in Horwich, residents claim.

Drivers say the road layout is confusing and residents regularly witness motorists arguing about who has the right of way.

Claypool Road and New Chapel Lane in Horwich have been made “build-outs” from the pavement, which narrow one side of the road.

Usually the driver of a vehicle with the build-out in front of them would have to give way to oncoming traffic but in this scheme, they are given right of way, leading to the confusion.

The new road layout was introduced last November to slow motorists down.

Instead, as reported in The Bolton News in March, it has even led to angry motorists coming to blows.

However, Bolton Council says the scheme is working because there have been no more accidents on the two roads.

And it has no plans to make changes — a review of the scheme will not be carried out until 2011 A Claypool Road resident told a Two Towns Area Forum meeting: “I’m sick to death of the swearing coming from motorists.

“People are arguing about who has the right of way. We need to sort this out because a lot of people are complaining.”

Cllr Stephen Rock, who was chairing the meeting, said: “People do not seem to look at the signs and I have been a victim of this.”

A council spokesman said: “After the traffic calming measures were put in on Claypool Road in June, 2008, the council conducted a standard 12-month audit of accidents on the road as a result of the measures.

“The audit found that there had been no accidents in the year since the measures were put in. As a result, there will be no further review until June, 2011, when the usual 36-month review will take place.”

Cllr Rock added: “The review carried out needs to involve the views of residents.”

amanda.smith@ theboltonnews.co.uk