Views sought on bid to curb Whitchurch traffic
Views are being sought on plans to restrict vehicle movement in Whitchurch town centre after safety concerns were raised.
A consultation has been launched looking at stopping vehicles from entering Watergate Street in Whitchurch between the hours of 10am until 4pm.
The consultation was launched after safety concerns were raised regarding vehicles driving into Watergate Street, which is locally know as The Bullring.
Shropshire Council says the existing traffic regulation order for The Bullring, known as a TRO, allows vehicles to enter the pedestrian zone at any time for the purposes of loading and unloading, which can result in a safety conflict with pedestrians using the area.
It wants to amend the existing TRO for the pedestrian zone to prohibit loading and unloading between the hours of 10am to 4pm.
At a meeting of Whitchurch Local Joint Committee, Simon Lyon of the town's Chamber of Trade and Commerce said there were more traffic issues in the town – particularly on High Street.
He said: "We live in a busy town, which is growing, with lots of thriving businesses that have deliveries.
"I don't think the layout of the town centre is suitable anymore.
"Delivery vans have to park on the pavement and people can't get past. It also damages the pavement.
"I think parts of the pavement and road should be merged and areas set aside for delivery.
"The town is getting busier and it can be a nightmare driving around. It is only going to get worse as more new houses are built.
Deborah Wheeler, from Whitchurch Safer Neighbourhood Team, said the team would send letters out to the owners of cars parked on pavements.
She said: "If we find anyone parking on the pavement, a letter will be sent out to the registered keeper saying they have committed an offence."
Nicki Young, community enablement officer for Shropshire Council, said it would cost £3,000 to add more loading bays in the High Street.
However, she said this would take about six to nine months to arrange as a consultation would be needed. She said: "Maybe a local working group should be set up to discuss this and come to a resolution."
To comment email traffic.engineering@shropshire.gov.uk or write to the Shirehall by March 16.
