With consultation set to begin on plans for a major re-working of the traffic flow in Cheltenham town centre, Gloucestershire Highways explains the thinking behind the changes.
FROM Monday, the public will be able to have their say on proposals to shake up the road network in the heart of Cheltenham.
Cheltenham Development Task Force wants to pedestrianise Boots' corner, saying it is a key part of the town's regeneration. It would connect both halves of the town centre, make it safer for shoppers and reduce pollution.
Other key changes including turning Imperial Square past the town hall from one-way to two-way have already been highlighted. But in order to divert traffic around the town, five other key roads would have to be significantly changed.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire Highways explained them.
1. The section of Albion Street between St John's Avenue and Gloucester Place would become two-way.
"This is to improve ease of access to and from the Beechwood car park and reduce unnecessary journeys on surrounding roads. A westbound bus lane will be added to the current arrangement between Gloucester Place and Pittville Street to reduce the distance buses from the east of Cheltenham need to travel around St John's Avenue and Fairview Road, reducing travel times and improving reliability."
2. Bath Road's two southbound lanes would become one single lane
"This is because of the tight left-hand turn at The Strand and the expected traffic reduction on this route."
3. Post Office Lane would formally become one-way southbound
"Because of the position of the proposed prohibition of driving on Clarence Street, any vehicles travelling north on Post Office Lane would find themselves having to turn right into the restricted area therefore the southbound only restriction acknowledges access to Post Office Lane will be required at all times during the day."
4. The north end section of Sherbourne Place, which is one-way northbound would become southbound.
"This overcomes safety concerns surrounding vehicles exiting Grosvenor Terrace car park at inappropriate speeds travelling straight over the junction in the direction of Fairview Road."
5. Gloucester Place would go from two-way to one-way northbound.
"It was foreseen that traffic on Gloucester Place could expand to levels inappropriate for the area. With other changes Gloucester Place is set to be the only northbound option for drivers emerging from local car parks as well as being the most likely inbound route to car parks. Altering this to a one-way street should see daily flows stay similar to how they are currently."
6. The pelican crossing would be removed from Royal Well Road as reduced traffic would make it redundant. There would be an informal crossing point instead.
Consultation runs until September 1. The plans could then be submitted to the county council, with a decision expected in the autumn.
OPINION, P8
