Controversial junction shortlisted for awards

The California Cross junction was repainted with a distinctive leaf design in 2024

A controversial refurbishment of a road junction has been shortlisted for several awards.

The California Cross junction in Finchampstead, Berkshire, was repainted with a distinctive leaf design that divided locals in 2024.

Now, the redesign has been shortlisted for two categories in the Highways Awards, and in the Placemaking Project category of the British Construction & Infrastructure (BCI) Awards.

Wokingham Borough Council's executive member for transport, Adrian Betteridge, said it was "great" to see the project recognised, but reactions from residents has been mixed.

The categories the junction has been shortlisted in are Active Travel Scheme of the Year, and Line Marking and Street Design.

It has also been named Best Community Project in the Landor LINKS Active Travel Directory and Yearbook 2025-26, the council said.

Jim Holmes said the junction was "interesting"

Resident Jim Holmes said he was not surprised the junction had been shortlisted, and described the junction as "interesting".

But he said he had concerns over the pedestrian crossing.

"I don't have a problem with the rest of it - it's give way to the right as per usual," he said.

"My real concern is for the pedestrians... is it a pedestrian crossing or isn't it? I think that's where the real danger is."

Jackie Robinault described the redesign as "a disaster"

Another resident, Jackie Robinault, said she was "amazed" it had been shortlisted, and described the redesign as "a disaster".

"I think it was a waste of money - I think it was better as it was," she said.

"People seem to have forgotten that it's a roundabout, don't know what to do when they get here."

Alex Sykes said he and his friends referred to the junction as "the playground"

Another local, Alex Sykes, also said the confusion over priority was a problem, and said he and his friends referred to it as "the playground".

"We're calling it a roundabout still, but is it a roundabout? Where are the right of ways? Where do you turn?" he said.

"Some people dither and very sensibly go 'what do we do', and some people bomb it and go straight over... I wouldn't give it any awards for innovation, to be honest."

Wokingham Borough Council said a study found pedestrians crossed the road in less time and drivers gave way more often.

A monitoring road safety audit will take place in October.