ROAD chiefs expressed delight today after police revealed that there have been no accidents on Blackburn's new orbital route this year.

The lack of incidents comes in spite of treacherous driving conditions and the fact that many commuters returning to work last week were using the new layout for the first time.

And it was confirmed today that work would start soon on repainting roadmarkings that had begun flaking just weeks after being put in place.

Despite criticism from councillors, traders and the AA over the ring road, drivers seem to be getting to know it.

Coun Ashley Whalley, Blackburn Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "The engineers have designed the system to be safe and we are pleased that it is operating as it was designed."

Lib Dem group leader Coun Paul Browne has been one of the biggest detractors of the project, but he said: "I am sure drivers are getting more used to the roads and know what to expect but I do feel we have been very lucky not to have had a serious accident. "The way the project was executed was very poor in my opinion. People could have been better informed.

"But I hope it does work out for the best. After all, Blackburn has never had a good road system. I couldn't give someone directions from Preston New Road to Shadsworth Industrial Estate. I couldn't have done it before because it was so complicated and I couldn't now because so many roads have been changed."

Coun Whalley blamed drivers for the confusion during the first week of the new road system - made up of an existing network of roads redesigned to help a smooth traffic flow - saying they should read the signs.

It then transpired that road markings were coming off the road surface and some old signs, directing people the wrong way, were confusing people.

Council bosses say work to replace the worn-out markings is due to start. Poor weather meant it was pointless doing the work in the last few weeks.

The AA said it had received no complaints from members.

A council spokesman said leaflets were sent out to inform drivers of what was going on.