DRIVERS are calling for action to stop motorists jumping queues at a new roundabout before there is a serious accident.

Some drivers have been beating traffic at De Havilland Way, Horwich, by using a slip road for vehicles turning left into Parklands business park.

They then cut back in when they reach the roundabout.

Highways chiefs added the extra lane at the end of last year to aid the flow of traffic.

But Bolton Council has received a number of complaints about drivers changing lanes dangerously.

Kathy Collins, of Parklands-based Keoghs solicitors, claims the road is "an accident waiting to happen".

She said: "The third lane is clearly marked for Parklands traffic only, but every single night you get people who use it rather than queuing."

Driver Mike Thompson, of Adlington, blamed the council, saying the new lane was not justified.

And he claims to have witnessed five near-misses at the roundabout which will become home to the 85ft tall Spirit of Sport sculpture later this year.

He said: "The new left-lane-only - which throws everybody off guard and is probably only used, at the most, for an hour a day - probably only carries about five per cent of the traffic.

"It is a stupid road design from the council's highways department."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "We are aware of people's concerns about drivers using the inside lane, which is specifically marked for Parklands, to travel straight ahead.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and, in the meantime, urge drivers to obey the signs and road markings."