Some Questions
and Answers
Q:
Is this the best option for the junction? Were other options
considered?
A:
Five
other options were considered for this junction, but are not
recommended because they would make traffic congestion worse,
and/or were not locally supported. The five rejected options
were: (1) a mini-roundabout - poor road geometry and visibility;
(2) ‘shuttle working’ on the High Street (i.e. single
lane flow, alternating in each direction) - this would cause
long traffic queues; (3) re-introduce a right turn from the
High Street into Church Street - this would increase traffic
congestion at peak periods, and not bring any improvement
for pedestrians ; (4) pedestrianise the High Street - this
would increase traffic problems on other residential roads,
and was not favoured by town traders; (5) ‘do nothing’
- most people did not support this option.
Q:
Will lorries be diverted onto other town roads?
A:
The proposed weight restriction is intended to divert
HGV through-traffic onto Western Way. The situation will be
monitored, and if HGVs start using residential roads (e.g.
Queensway), then a weight restriction could be considered
here too.
Q:
Is there enough room for lorries in the new junction layout?
A:
The layout was tested using a computer simulation of a lorry’s
turning movement, which showed that there is sufficient width
for the largest articulated lorries to turn into Church Street
without overhanging the footway. Moreover, reduced road widths
will encourage slower speeds through the junction, increasing
safety for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Q:
Will lorry unloading still take place outside Woolworths?
A:
HGVs will still be allowed access for deliveries to High Street
premises.
Q:
What is proposed for the Market Place (Phase Two)?
Proposals
for the Market Place will be the subject of public consultations
in the autumn. However, progress to Phase Two will depend
on progress with Phase One.
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