Scheme to address 'unpleasant' traffic problems

Bradford-on-Avon's town centre can become clogged with cars at rush hour

Plans are progressing on a scheme which would address a "decades-long" traffic problem.

Drivers often face delays at rush hour in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire - with the town council previously proposing a new pedestrian bridge and traffic scheme to solve the issue.

Plans have taken a step forward following a meeting with Wiltshire Council, with a project group now set up and a feasibility study planned.

The town's mayor Jack Vittles said: "Not only is traffic backing up everywhere which is unpleasant, but it also doesn't make a great environment for our pedestrians and cyclists. An additional pedestrian bridge we think would add a lot more safety for our residents."

The new bridge and traffic scheme proposed would see a one-way system introduced downhill on Silver Street, one of the locations earmarked as a pinch point by locals.

Wiltshire Council said some form of contraflow system - where lanes are directed to carry traffic in the opposite direction to the normal flow - will still be needed for buses to travel uphill on Silver Street.

The local authority has now agreed to fund a feasibility study on this contraflow system.

Mr Vittles says Wiltshire Council's backing is important progress, but that it will take significant time before the traffic scheme is implemented and the bridge - subject to funding - is created.

"This won't happen overnight," he said.

Jack Vittles says he wants to make life easier for drivers and pedestrians

Mr Vittles added: "Traffic in Bradford-on-Avon is a decades-long problem for the town.

"What we've been trying to do over the last few years is work with the town and develop, with Wiltshire Council, a new traffic scheme for the centre.

"We're also looking to get an additional pedestrian bridge, just along from our historic town bridge.

"We're also now moving to the next phase of sorting out a business case for the pedestrian bridge, to make sure we are in the absolute best position we can be when it comes to funding, which will likely have to come from outside sources and central government."