I have launched a petition in response to concerns raised about the Highways Agency's plans to trial junction changes at the A417 Air Balloon roundabout.
The plans, which would see traffic moving towards the Air Balloon roundabout from the Cirencester direction forced to turn left down towards the A46 Shurdington Road, have caused outrage to many people living and working in Cheltenham.
This is because of the difficulties it will cause people trying to get to Leckhampton who will have to use the already congested A46 Shurdington Road instead.
Concern is also high in Charlton Kings where people rightly realise more Leckhampton bound traffic could come into town via the busy A435 Cirencester Road, increasing traffic on existing rat runs Bafford Approach, Sandy Lane and Greenhill's Road.
Many people living near these two roads and other residential side roads are also very concerned about the impact that the additional displaced traffic will have on air quality and congestion.
With free running traffic moving from the Gloucester direction towards Cirencester there could be huge queues at peak times along the A436 and Leckhampton Hill Road for traffic wishing to go between Leckhampton and the Cotswolds to Gloucester or Cirencester along the A417.
The petition has gathered nearly 300 signatures in just a few days despite the web link not being provided by the local news media when reporting it.
If you are concerned about this trial please follow the link below, sign and let your friends, family and colleagues know about it.
The petition is online at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/45494
The Highways Agency have confirmed that they will consult on the proposals but that this consultation could take place alongside the trial beginning. This is totally unacceptable in my view.
After private meetings with the Highways Agency the Conservative led County Council has agreed to put £45,000 towards the trial which is expected to cost about £80,000 - but is curiously placing the blame for the trial solely on the Highways Agency. The trial could last up to 18 months and if considered successful could become permanent.
As a County Councillor for South Cheltenham which will be affected a great deal by the proposals I have not been asked for my views which is extremely disappointing.
No comments:
Post a Comment