Local residents have blasted Sheffield’s Dutch-style roundabout with some branding the new layout “dangerous”.

Sheffield City Council opened the newly developed West Bar roundabout last month, with the layout expected to encourage walking and cycling.

The Dutch-style roundabout prioritises pedestrians and cyclists ahead of petrol, diesel and electric vehicles through a system of five-way markings and zebra crossings on the exit of every junction.

The design originated in the Netherlands in the 1970s and has since been adopted in many European countries, with another already installed in the UK in Cambridge.

The £18million scheme has been backed by officials who suggest the road will give residents more choices on how they travel and boost road safety.

However, locals have reported that some road users were struggling to adapt to the new layout with many speaking out about the possible dangers.

Posting on Facebook, one local resident said: “Without doubt the most ridiculous dangerous idea ever.”

Another person added: “I use this roundabout frequently and I hate it. I am Dutch and have lived in Sheffield for many years. It was already known that these roundabouts have caused accidents, so why introduce them?”

The reaction wasn’t much better on X, with many people warning the new layout was likely to cause more accidents.

@plasmatic99 posted: “So many confusing and distracting textures and [colours].”

Meanwhile, @AaronLoveman explained: “Worst design possible. Dangerous crossing placement that causes congestion and possibly accidents. The whole point of a roundabout is continuous flow.”

@AG_Quizzes stressed: “You have no idea how stupid it is to have a zebra crossing at the entrance and exit to a roundabout. I do because I spend most of my time in Spain. It’s chaos and causes more traffic.”

Sheffield City Council said that the one-way segregated cycle track moving clockwise would ensure cyclists have priority.

Vehicles will still be free-flowing but they stressed the date would improve safety for all using the road.

Last month, councillor Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, told the BBC the changes will “make it easier” for cyclists and pedestrians to get around.

He explained: “For too long, people wanting to cross West Bar roundabout to get around the city have had to wait for a gap in the traffic to do so in a safe manner.

“The changes we are delivering will make it easier for those on foot or on their bike.”