Residents are being asked for their views on proposed traffic changes in a bid to tackle concerns over speeding and “rat run” driving in a Trowbridge neighbourhood.
Trowbridge mayor and Wiltshire councillor Cllr Stewart Palmen has announced plans to carry out a public poll on proposals being investigated by the town’s Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
The scheme would introduce a one-way traffic system in parts of the Gloucester Road area, aimed at reducing the number of motorists using residential streets as a shortcut.
Under the proposal, changes would affect roads connecting to Wingfield Road, including Avenue Road, Westbourne Road and West Street. Traffic management measures would be introduced at the junctions to make it clear that vehicles should not enter from Wingfield Road.
Supporters of the scheme believe it would help curb dangerous driving and reduce the volume of through traffic in the area.
Cllr Palmen said the proposals were being considered in response to concerns about motorists using the streets as a high-speed route to avoid congestion elsewhere.
He acknowledged that the changes could prove inconvenient for some residents.
Residents returning home via Wingfield Road would need to travel around the Trinity Gyratory system before reaching their homes, rather than taking a more direct route.
However, Cllr Palmen said the inconvenience could be outweighed by the benefits of improved road safety.
In a message to residents, he said the changes would “stop the dangerous fast rat run behaviour” that has become a concern in the area.
The proposals remain at an early stage and no final decision has been made.
Cllr Palmen said he wants to hear from local people before any recommendations are put forward and plans to launch a public poll to gauge opinion on the scheme.
The Gloucester Road area has long been used by some drivers seeking to avoid busier routes through the town, with residents previously raising concerns about traffic volumes and vehicle speeds on residential streets.
The results of the poll are expected to help inform discussions within the LHFIG as it considers whether to progress the proposals further.
Residents are being encouraged to share their views on the potential one-way system ahead of the consultation.
One resident commented: “My concern is that this may simply replace one rat-run with another. While it could reduce traffic cutting through from Wingfield Road towards Newtown, it may encourage traffic travelling from Newtown to use Gloucester Road and the surrounding streets as an alternative route.
“It also places the burden on local residents, particularly those returning home via Wingfield Road, who would be forced to travel around Trinity Gyratory to access their properties.
“The underlying issue appears to be congestion at Trinity. Unless that is addressed, drivers will continue looking for alternative routes through residential streets.
“A more targeted option might be to make only part of Gloucester Road one-way (Newtown to West Street), or consider traffic calming measures that discourage through traffic without significantly affecting residents.”
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