Extra safety measures have had to be put in place in Cressex amid reports of drivers ignoring road closure signs and a temporary one-way system.

A trial one-way system was put in place at the Cressex Link junction in High Wycombe on March 18 after roadworks in the area caused traffic chaos for commuters leaving the nearby industrial estate.

The trial hoped to ease traffic flows from the business park through the neighbouring roads – but some drivers have been ignoring the ‘road closed’ signs and driving the wrong way down the one-way system.

It means that Wycombe District Council has been forced to put in extra safety measures to stop it happening after a number of “avoidable traffic incidents”.

Since Monday (April 8) west of Cressex Link, Cressex Road is now one-way only towards Booker Turnpike (New Road) roundabout.

Only westbound traffic can pass through the Cressex Link junction. East of Cressex Link, Cressex Road remains two-way up to the Link junction.

The new restriction will stay in place until the improvement works at the junction are finished towards the end of May.

From Tuesday, April 23, until Sunday, April 28, the Cressex Link junction will close between 7pm and 6am to allow road resurfacing, white lining and traffic light cabling installation.

David Johncock, cabinet member for planning and sustainability at Wycombe District Council, said: "It is regrettable but we’ve had to put in extra safety measures on the Cressex project after a couple of avoidable traffic incidents.

“These measures are necessary for the safety of our contractors as well as for motorists and pedestrians especially the local school children.

“However, we will continue working with contractors and the highway authority to get these roadworks done in the quickest and safest way possible. Please bear with us during the works and follow the temporary signs.”

Frustrated commuters previously complained they were being “held hostage” at the Cressex business park at rush hour because of the £750,000 roadworks project and even set up a petition calling for change.

In response to their concerns, Wycombe District Council introduced the trial one-way system.

The improvement scheme, which will be finished in May, will provide four Puffin pedestrian crossings, reconfigured traffic lights, two new left-hand turns, and a ban on heavy lorries in Cressex Road.

The scheme is being paid for jointly by Buckinghamshire County and Wycombe District Councils, along with Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership.