A MAJOR North East road has been branded "misleading" as drivers say a new layout is leaving people confused.
Drivers using Trimdon Street in Sunderland say incorrect road markings are leading people into being in the wrong lane.
The road, which was recently made into a dual-carriageway, now has markings which suggests both lanes continue on to the A1231.
Read more: We visited the road leaving drivers 'confused' to see how big the problem is
However, drivers say they cannot access the A-road from the left-hand lane unless they cut over the lanes on the immediate roundabout, "forcing" their way into the two right-hand lanes.
We went down and took a look at the new layout for ourselves.
Trimdon Street towards the roundabout - two lanes are marked A1231
The junction leading up to the roundabout with the two right-hand lanes continuing over the roundabout
The road coming off the roundabout with just one dedicated lane for the A1231
The road then splits into two lanes for the A1231 at the bottom, towards the next roundabout, while the left lane appears to continue to the A1018
According to signage, once drivers have passed Trimdon Street and cleared the roundabout they must use the two upcoming lanes on the right if staying on the A1231.
However, the road only splits into the two additional lanes towards the next roundabout, meaning some stay in the left-hand lane of Trimdon Street and are left in the wrong position towards the A1018.
The confusion comes as the road recently reopened after a major upgrade saw the Trimdon Street section converted into dual lanes on both sides.
Describing countless "near-misses," one driver said they believe it is only a matter of time before a "bump" occurs.
The driver, who asked not to be named, told The Northern Echo: "The setup is ridiculous. The left lane says A1231 but you can't get to it from that lane.
"Once you get over the roundabout, the only option you have for the left lane is the A1018 into the city centre. It means you have to cut across the lanes."
Such concerns have been echoed by a local bus company which has been forced to warn its drivers on how best to tackle the new layout.
In an internal memo, seen by The Echo, Stagecoach North East tells drivers in Sunderland that the left-hand lane leads to a left-hand turn only.
It then advises its drivers to use the right-hand lane if they are wanting to travel towards the A1231.
It reads: "Would all drivers please be aware when operating service number 11 to Grangetown, that the road markings at the roundabout in Trimdon Street have changed.
"In order to access St Michael's Way you need to take the right-hand lane. The nearside lane is a left-hand turn. The middle lane would take you up St Mary's Way."
Urging the council to adjust the markings, the driver said the authority needed to "clearly label" the left-hand lane to prevent further confusion.
In response to the concerns, a spokesperson for Sunderland City Council acknowledged concerns had been raised.
They said: "The council is aware that some drivers have raised concerns."
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