Public invited to contribute to town traffic survey

The centre of Bradford-on-Avon is frequently gridlocked

A consultation on traffic modelling for a busy town is almost over.

Residents of Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, are being asked for their thoughts on three scenarios to re-route traffic through its narrow streets.

"It's a frequent complaint that pedestrians are hit by wing mirrors. One old lady was knocked down and broke her arm 18 months ago," said Wiltshire councillor Tim Trimble.

So far, three different options for traffic management have been proposed.

A study published in February suggested three options to improve safety, pollution levels and traffic volume:

• Option A - creating a one- way system in Market Street & Silver Street.

• Option B - installing road narrowing 'pinch points' , two in Market Street and one in Silver Street.

• Option C - making Silver Street one-way combined with priority narrowing in Market Street.

"The first one was essentially the same arrangement that we had during lockdown," said Mr Trimble.

"Our modelling showed it had real drawbacks in terms of travel time, and it held the buses up so you can't maintain a regular bus schedule.

"The second one didn't really work because it didn't allow for the pavements to be widened.

"One of the things people complain about the most is intimidation by the traffic," he added.

The narrow bridge in the centre of the town dates from the 18th Century

Mr Trimble said the large volumes of traffic also created pollution in the town.

"The noise is bad too," he added.

Online feedback for the survey closes on 12 May.