Welshpool one-way system 'can cope' with Bank Holiday traffic

Civic leaders in Welshpool are confident the town's controversial one-way system will cope with the anticipated high levels of bank holiday traffic this weekend amid growing concern.

Motorists have claimed the system grinds to a halt on busy days and weekends as people struggle to negotiate the system.

But Robert Robinson, town clerk, said he was confident that now new signs had been put in place directing people to the coast, the system would work much better.

He said: "We have had a couple of busy times where the traffic has been queueing for some time, but the past weekend things were much better.

"New signs have been put up directing holidaymakers to the Welsh coast in the Dolgellau direction and, yes, these should have been in place from the very start.

"This past weekend things were much better, with people using the right lanes rather than being confused and then trying to switch at the last minute.

"The real acid test will come this Easter weekend with Good Friday and Easter Monday traffic, but I am confident things won't be as bad as some are fearing."

He said that last year at bank holiday periods there were lengthy queues.

"The one-way system will be better but there will be some queuing at peak periods."

Mr Robinson added that recent surveys he had carried out in the town had seen about 75 per cent satisfaction in the system.

"We are getting there and getting it right," he said.