Traffic signals have been temporarily removed from a busy roundabout, sparking frustration among pedestrians who say an accident is going to happen.

Transport for London (TfL) has removed the traffic lights at Mill Hill Circus as part of upgrade works not due to be completed until the first week of February.

The pedestrian crossing has also been blocked off by plastic barriers – but this is not deterring those who are eager to cross the road quickly rather than walk to another set of lights on the other side of the roundabout.

As a result, dozens of people - including schoolchildren - are jumping over the barriers and dodging fast-moving vehicles in an attempt to cross the carriageway.

Father-of three Steven Novach of Uphill Road, said: “There should be traffic lights on both sides of the roundabout. People are risking their lives trying to cross this busy road.

“The school kids aren’t going to walk all the way to the other lights – they’re going to cross here where they always have done.

“An accident is going to happen.”

The roundabout links the A1 Watford Way with The Broadway and Lawrence Street, and is used by pupils from a number of schools in the area, including Mill Hill County High School and St Martin’s School.

Darren Rockman of Uphill Road, said: “Shutting off this crossing is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever seen. One of these kids is going to get hurt.”

Schoolgirl Annie Radcliffe, 16, said: “All our friends are just running across where the lights used to be. It’s really dangerous.

“I feel like I could be run over. Cars drive so fast on this road and it’s quite scary.”

Iain Blackmore, head of traffic infrastructure for TfL, said: “This upgrade will help improve traffic flow throughout the area and also make the pedestrian crossing fully accessible to all, including people with visual impairment.

“The work will be completed by the first week of February and we are working hard to make sure that these works are delivered with minimum disruption to all road users.”