Britain's craziest road markings are finally being scrapped, three years after confusing motorists and sparking widespread protest over the staggering £1.5 million cost to install them.
The infamous road markings were discarded by locals almost immediately after appearing on the seafront of Clevedon, Somerset, in January 2022.
Photos show the peculiar paintwork snaking along the roads, confusing motorists and cyclists about where to go.
The markings, installed by North Somerset Council, were met with heavy criticism from local residents – who even organized a fancy dress 'conga line' protest amid widespread media ridicule of the project.
Council bosses had originally set aside £201,000 for the scheme, but unforeseen costs saw that figure rise to £1.5 million.
Work to remove the lines will begin in mid-February and is expected to be fully completed within twelve weeks.
Hannah Young, North Somerset Council's executive member for highways, told the BBC: 'The updates taking place are in line with public feedback collected over the past two years.'
However, the cost of the work sparked anger within the seaside community as £50,000 intended for vital repairs to the town's old slipway was diverted to fund the removal of the lines.
'Britain's craziest road markings are finally being scrapped, three years after confusion among motorists and widespread outcry over the staggering £1.5 million cost to install them
North Somerset Council came under heavy criticism from local residents – who even staged a 'conga line' protest amid widespread media ridicule over the project
The RAC described it as one of the 'most bizarre new road plans' it had ever seen
MailOnline reported last March that Clevedon Sailing Club fears the loss of cash could mean the slipway will be washed away and an end to centuries of sailing in the Victorian seaside town.
Although the original plan was to increase road safety in the area, the 400 meters of weaving lines had baffled motorists and cyclists alike.
North Somerset Council claimed they were intended to prevent motorists from driving too close to the cycle path, but transport expert Audit West concluded the new layout did not work.
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell apologized for the obvious mistakes that had been made and vowed to 'find the money' to fix the problem.
He previously said: “The big mistake was that we implemented a plan that didn't have community support and I'm really sorry that happened.
'We didn't do a good job of consultation and engagement, it took place during the Covid pandemic and as a result we delivered a plan that didn't work for people.'
North Somerset Council came under heavy criticism as locals dressed in fancy dress staged a 'conga line' protest amid widespread ridicule over the project.
In 2023, an independent review recommended returning angled parking spaces to the coast and removing the two-way cycle path.
Work to remove the lines will begin in mid-February and is expected to be fully completed within twelve weeks
Council bosses had originally set aside £201,000 for the scheme, but unforeseen costs saw that figure rise to £1.5 million. In the photo: Activists protest against the lines in 2023
It also said a zebra crossing for pedestrians should be created, as well as a dedicated drop-off and pick-up point for coaches.
Even the RAC chimed in, describing it as one of the 'most bizarre new road plans' it had ever seen.
Council leader Mike Bell previously said: 'Does this mean we will get everything right, this will be perfect and this is the ideal solution for the Clevedon coast?
“I guarantee it won't be, because we will never be perfect. But are we doing it with the right intentions?
'Absolute.'
North Somerset MP Sir Liam Fox blamed the authority for mishandling the controversial roadworks.
He said: 'Clevedon Sailing Club is just one of a number of groups in North Somerset paying the price for the incompetent management of the coast.
'A project that no one wanted has gone way over budget and now funds are being diverted from other areas to fill the gap.
'What a disgraceful turn of events. Who from North Somerset Council will carry the can?'
