A LIFELONG Bridgwater resident and councillor is calling for locals to take action before a one-way system is implemented in the town centre.
As part of the ongoing Celebration Mile project, a proposal has been submitted to make East Quay, Salmon Parade and Eastover one-way.
The planning statement - written by Stantec on the council's behalf - proposes the introduction of three-metre wide one-way roads with 20mph speed limits in Eastover, East Quay, Salmon Parade and Town Bridge.
Councillor Leigh Redman believes the negatives would outweigh any potential positives of the proposed new traffic system, and has had the application's consultation date extended until Tuesday, November 28.
He is calling on Bridgwater residents to voice their thoughts to the council before the plans are approved.
“I understand last time this was discussed there were many local residents who objected to making the roads one way," he said.
“The consequential impact on Monmouth Street and Broadway would negate any of the benefits.
“I want to try and encourage as many people as possible to feed their comments in so that the council can understand any concerns.”
Cllr Redman maintains that the new system would cause disruption in Bridgwater; stating that, as well as severely increased traffic along the Clink, many food delivery businesses in the surrounding areas would have to drive further around the town in order to make any local deliveries.
Also affected would be access to the Old Bridgwater Hospital building that is planed to open as a centre of excellence for adult social care.
Somerset Council have since responded to Cllr Redman's concerns, saying the proposal has been subject to several traffic assessments and has received no formal objections.
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: "The Celebration Mile has been subject to robust and highly detailed traffic impact assessments over the course of its development since 2009.
"Planning applications were submitted with these assessments, they were supported by the Highways Authority and subsequently approved through the planning process.
"In terms of the Eastover, East Quay and Salmon Parade scheme there were some negative comments, but there was also positive support and no formal objections.
"Full consultation did occur during the planning process and the work balanced the impacts of the proposals against the wider benefits of the scheme."
Persons wishing to object to the proposed Order may do so in writing, specifying the grounds on which it is made, to Somerset Council, Traffic Management, B2 West, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY, quoting Reference No. KT15092023 or by email to TROinbox@somerset.gov.uk and received no later than November 28.
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