New hopes on town traffic congestion

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 3rd Jan 2003.

AIR pollution levels boomed in Bradford on Avon during the recent closure of the A36 but a Wiltshire councillor is hoping traffic congestion in the town will soon be a thing of the past.

A report by West Wiltshire District Council showed levels of nitrogen dioxide rose substantially in Masons Lane in the 12 week closure of the A36 trunk road while traffic was diverted through the town.

Cllr Malcolm Hewson is calling for action over the pollution problem and has entered the town in the Transport 2000 scheme, an independent body, which aims to help towns reclaim their main roads.

"These figures show the devastating effect of the closure of the A36 at Limpley Stoke on traffic levels and people in Bradford on Avon," he said.

"It is an illustration of the fact that the road network in the area is stretched to breaking point and demonstrates the need to deal with congestion on black spots and encourage people to use vehicles less."

If Bradford is chosen, Transport 2000 experts will work with the local and county council as well as local residents to find a solution to the traffic problem.

Cllr Hewson said: "Everyone knows that the road infrastructure in Bradford on Avon is inadequate and we all despair of getting a bypass in the next decade. So we must provide pedestrians with a way of enjoying the town."

West Wiltshire District Council spokesman Louise Knox said the high levels of nitrogen dioxide in Bradford did not come as a surprise during the closer of the A36.

She said: "We anticipated the levels of nitrogen dioxide would go up due to the A36 closure but we hope the figures will return to normal now the road has been reopened."

She added: "We are waiting for the traffic flow figures for the period as well as the nitrogen dioxide levels for November and December to make an analysis of the air pollution as a result of the closure of the A36. We hope to have the figures by the end of January."

A spokesman for Transport 2000 said: "The project will be supporting six towns across the country and have so far had 15 entries. We are looking at towns that are through roads for traffic but are also used by pedestrians for shopping and parents taking children to school."

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