Tory run County Council back ‘crazy’ A417 Air Balloon trial

Plans by the Highways Agency to close off access to Leckhampton from the A417 at the Air Balloon pub in Birdlip have been met by anger by many people living in the south of Cheltenham. The idea has been suggested as a way to ease traffic congestion at the site and improve poor air quality caused by exhaust fumes. 

However, many people feel strongly the scheme could increase pressure on other roads such as Shurdington Road or Cirencester Road and make it much more difficult to get to Leckhampton from Cirencester, Swindon or the M4.

Surprisingly Tory Run Gloucestershire County Council have given the thumbs up to this trial taking place and look set to spend £45,000 to support proposals from the Highways Agency to introduce a no right turn for vehicles travelling on the A417 from Cirencester.

The A435 Cirencester Road could see more Leckhampton bound traffic as a result of the Highways Agency's plans to close off exit to Leckhampton from the A417 

Closing off access to Leckhampton from the A417 by the Air Balloon is a crazy idea. If this goes ahead people travelling to Leckhampton will be cut off from a convenient route from Cirencester, Swindon and the M4. 

Traffic would have to turn left down the A417 Birdlip Hill, then go round the roundabout at the A46 Shurdington Road and go back uphill to the Air Balloon to turn left.

Alternatively more traffic could use the already very congested Shurdington Road instead. Given this inconvenience more Leckhampton bound traffic could divert along the A435 Cirencester Road, Bafford Approach, Greenhills Road and Charlton Lane causing increased congestion.

Something needs to happen to improve this junction but this is not it.