CONTROVERSIAL plans to implement change in one of Britain's most infamous bottle necks have been called "ill-conceived".
Proposals have been made by the Highways Agency to make drastic changes to the Air Balloon roundabout in Cheltenham.
The agency wants to introduce a no-right turn rule for vehicles travelling down the hill on the A417 from Cirencester.
Now Shurdington parish council has written to the Highways Agency with ten points of contention over the proposals.
The Highways Agency claims its plan would ease traffic flow and improve poor air quality caused by stagnant exhaust fumes.
As a result, traffic going into Cheltenham will be shifted have to go down the A417, and go through Shurdington Road.
In a letter to the agency, parish councillors in Shurdington have added their voice to the discontent.
The letter reads: "We already suffer huge traffic issues with speeding, accidents and congestion.
"We consider this proposal to be ill-conceived and that it poses a threat to our community and that of neighbouring parishes.
"It will harm residents, businesses and the environment through increased traffic with resulting increased pollution, road safety risks and travel times."
They also said the increased levels of traffic through the small country lanes in Shurdington would affect the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Councillors added that, with traffic going up Crickley Hill from Gloucester flowing unhindered onto the roundabout, there would potentially be bigger back-ups of traffic on the A436.
Jo Sobey, chairman of Shurdington parish council, said the Highways Agency had not consulted with the parish council.
Gloucestershire County Council has also lent its weight to the parish council's concerns.
Nigel Riglar, commissioning director of communities and infrastructure at the county council, said: "Before any restrictions are imposed, it is essential that the Highways Agency is fully engaged with local residents, parish councils and both county and district councillors. People need to be clear on why this trial is taking place and exactly what it will entail."
