Drivers have been left angry after a crash on a road where improvements were dubbed “confusing”.

Desborough Road was revamped by Bucks County Council (BCC) at the beginning of last year and was labelled an “accident waiting to happen”. 

It got a new “shared space” layout, which aimed to improve the flow of traffic without using traffic lights or roundabouts. 

The changes to the road were initially criticised by residents and businesses who feared the layout was “confusing” – and a car crash on the road on Tuesday afternoon has angered drivers. 

Two vehicles were involved in the smash close to Desborough Road car park, with emergency services attending to clear the scene. 

Marian O’Rourke said: “This was an accident just waiting to happen, I hope no one was injured but I expect there will be more accidents on this new road system.”

Simon Falconer added: “And so the inevitable has happened. Never has the phrase ‘an accident waiting to happen’ been so appropriate. 

“So many times I have walked up to this junction to cross the road and just had to guess when it might be safe to cross.”

Meanwhile, Dawn Seaman also criticised the new road, saying: “The layout is ridiculous at this junction. It’s awkward to tell where the road and pavement separate, especially in the dark, and no indication of where to stop and hold.”

When the plans were first revealed, BCC said taking out lines, road markings and traffic lights would mean drivers and pedestrians would have to “pay more attention” to what other road users are doing and that “drivers have to think more and so they instinctively slow down.” 

BCC transport cabinet member, Mark Shaw, said: “We are aware of this recent collision and hope everyone involved is safe and well.

"We do know that well over two million vehicles have used the new junction layout so far.

"However, as with all recently installed changes to the highway, we will continue to closely monitor how things are going overall.”