'Bizarre' wiggly road markings removed amid £1.5m cost

White wiggly lines along the Beach in Clevedon, with cars parked near the sea front. There are homes and cafes along the other side of the road.
Image caption,

The "wiggly" road markings on Clevedon's seafront were very unpopular

  • Published

Work to remove wiggly road markings that sparked controversy in a seaside town has been completed.

North Somerset Council caused outrage in Clevedon when it introduced the changes, which included the removal of sea-facing parking, along the waterfront in 2022. RAC previously described the lines as one of the "most bizarre" road schemes it had seen.

It originally cost about £1m and a further £425,000 was spent on the reversal, but the council said the move was "in line with significant public feedback" from businesses and residents.

Councillor Hannah Young, cabinet member for highways, said: "We have listened to the local community and reinstated sea-facing parking."

The road along the seafront in Clevedon. There is a line of parked cars facing the sea and buildings either side of the road. Image source, North Somerset Council
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Work to remove the markings took three months to carry out

Work to remove the markings started in February and also included creating new loading bays, a single contraflow cycle path, a mini roundabout, a pedestrian crossings and vehicular access to the promenade for boats and ice cream vans.

New planters will be added to the area and the community will be consulted on the plans.

The old layout of the Clevedon seafront. There is a white wiggly line on the road. Cars can be seen on the road in the distance.
Image caption,

The road layout was described as "bizarre"

Councillor Young added: "We would like to thank everyone for their patience and encourage all residents and visitors to come and support the seafront businesses that have been affected as you enjoy the new configuration."

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