Town centre traffic overhaul backed by council

A new traffic system could be introduced in Bradford on Avon

An overhaul which would see 20mph limits and wider pavements introduced in a Wiltshire town plagued by traffic issues has been backed.

Bradford on Avon Town Council voted unanimously in favour of a range of new measures which it believes will address its “top priority” of pedestrian safety.

But, the responsibility for implementing the changes rests on the shoulders of Wiltshire Council.

The town council pledged to push ahead with submissions to the higher authority in a bid to see its vision realised.

Bradford on Avon mayor, Jack Vittles, said he was “delighted” to have reached the next stage of the process.

“Traffic is a decades-long problem in Bradford on Avon, and this is the culmination of a thorough and consultative process over the last few years,” he said.

'Top priority'

“I really want to thank all residents and town councillors for their engagement and considered thoughts on this topic throughout the process.

“I am particularly happy we have addressed our top priority of pedestrian safety with an emphasis on significantly wider pavements and reducing the speed limit in the town.

“We now look forward to working closely with Wiltshire Council in designing a scheme that makes this recommendation a reality for everyone in the town.”

The town council will recommend the county authority designs a scheme on an experimental traffic order with the ability to make it permanent.

Bradford on Avon residents want changes on the town's roads

A one-way traffic system east to west on Silver Street would be introduced, along with two-way traffic on Masons Lane.

Mr Vittles added: “Wiltshire Council remains responsible for the roads and pavements in Bradford on Avon – and their knowledge and expertise will be essential for the detailed design work and consultation that happens next.

“Our recommendation of a trial on the pinch point at the top of Market Street is one area we'd very much welcome their guidance.

“I will be writing to Wiltshire Council in the coming days to set up a meeting as soon as possible to start work on the design phase.”