CAMPAIGNERS concerned about congestion on a Stratton roundabout offered ways to ease the traffic –but were told none of their solutions were do-able.

The Stratton Against Road Changes group, suggested that an extra lane could be added to the roundabout entrance to Greenbridge retail park by removing the hatch markings on its current one-lane entrance, which could reduce the queues of cars waiting to get in.

And the group questioned whether the traffic lights should always be on.

Group secretary Ron Fox said: “The intention is to try to reduce tailbacks which occur at this point, often preventing through traffic from accessing Drakes Way. I use the roundabout quite a lot and noticed there are two lanes to exit the retail park via its mini roundabout, but only one to enter, though there is room for two.

“We also suggested that the traffic lights should only be on at peak times because they’re not always needed and stop the traffic flow, though the council said it won’t test that idea.”

Swindon Borough Council was happy to hear from the campaigners but explained an extra lane on the roundabout exit could cause more problems than it solves.

Strategic allocations transport manager Robert Rossiter said: “This two-lanes could not be achieved safely, due to likely weaving of traffic on this short section of carriageway.

“To resolve this weaving, Greenbridge roundabout would need to be relined to accommodate a sixth destination – Stratton Road – served by the retail park exit and this would create further confusion on a junction that is already serving many principal destinations.

“The queue back from the retail park has been previously raised as an issue, upon which the council altered lining and traffic signal timings. Since undertaking this work we have not received similar complaints or observed this situation arising We will continue to carry out regular observations of junction operation and welcome any information upon when best to carry out such observations.”