Motorists using one of the main routes into Lowestoft will be banned from turning into a busy road, to stop dangerous queues over a level crossing.Suffolk County Council wants to stop drivers turning into Commodore Road from Bridge Road, in Oulton Broad, in a bid to cut congestion on the busy stretch and reduce the risk of crashes.

Motorists using one of the main routes into Lowestoft will be banned from turning into a busy road, to stop dangerous queues over a level crossing.

Suffolk County Council wants to stop drivers turning into Commodore Road from Bridge Road, in Oulton Broad, in a bid to cut congestion on the busy stretch and reduce the risk of crashes.

The council, which is responsible for the county's roads, has issued plans to ban left turns and widen the pavements to make the junction safer for motorists and pedestrians.

In the past five years, there have been two serious and 12 slight-injury crashes near the junction, which is just metres from the Oulton Broad North level crossing and is used by many as an alternative route into the town centre avoiding the bascule bridge.

A Suffolk County Council spokesman said: “In order to reduce the likelihood of similar accidents occurring in the future, we propose to narrow the width of Bridge Road and widen the footways.

“This will slow traffic speeds, and make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross the road.

“In addition, drivers will be banned from turning left from Bridge Road into Commodore Road.

“At present, there are issues regarding congestions and safety, as traffic queues across the railway crossing to turn into Commodore Road,” said the spokesman.

“It is intended to build out the kerbs at these locations to help enforce the turning restrictions.

“The works are scheduled to take place during a road closure in spring 2009 to tie in with resurfacing works and works on the rail line being undertaken by Network Rail.

“Allowing all the work to take place at the same time will cause minimal disruption to businesses and residents, who have already been informed of the work due to take place.”

The restrictions will also ban right turns from George Close and Commodore Road on to the A1117 Bridge Road, giving access only for emergency vehicles.

Details of the proposals can be inspected at Lowestoft Library, Clapham Road South.

Objections and representations must be made by January 2 and sent to Corinne McGrath at Suffolk County Council, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BX.