A BUS driver has slammed changes to a roundabout system as dangerous - saying he believes it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

The re-development of Fulford Interchange, where the A64 meets the A19, was completed last month as part of a "pinch point" scheme to tackle congestion.

A new inbound bus lane between the two roundabouts was put in place and an extra lane was built on the approach to and through the Designer Outlet roundabout to speed up journey times. 

The driver, who spoke to The Press anonymously, has raised concerns about the layout, which relies on Selby-bound buses coming out of the Designer Outlet to cross three lanes of traffic before waiting in a zone where they must give way to traffic, despite being on a roundabout.

He said: "It's only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

"They are expecting us to run the gauntlet and risk not only our lives, but the lives of our passengers.

"People drive too fast on there and asking drivers to cross three lanes of traffic with a bus full of passengers is ridiculous.

"It's a roundabout but you have to give way to traffic on your left. That means you are accelerating hard to get through the three lanes of traffic then break to stop for others.

The driver claims he has spoken to his superiors about his concerns but has been told he must take care.

He added: "You shouldn't be expected to give way like that.  

"We are talking about 40 or 50 buses a day using that roundabout and it's not going to be long before there's a crash."

Tony Clarke, head of transport at City of York Council, said: "The significant alterations made to this junction as part of the Pinch Point Scheme mean that it will take some time for traffic patterns to settle and for drivers to get used to the new layout. 

"These alterations have generally been well received and early indications are that they have greatly improved the junction’s capacity and have reduced delays. 

"We have worked closely with bus operators in the area and we will discuss any concerns they may have to see if further changes can be made. 

"The council is closely monitoring the impact of these improvements and will continue to periodically review them."