Concern at town centre traffic scheme

CONCERNS have been raised about plans to introduce changes to traffic and parking restrictions in Cirencester town centre.

Gloucestershire County Council is working with Cirencester Town Council to introduce restrictions along Cirencester Market Place, West Way and Cricklade Street.

The county council says the proposals aim to reduce car dominance in the long term and improve provisions for pedestrians and cyclists, while maintaining safe and convenient access for all.

The proposals have been shaped by feedback received through informal engagement activities during 2021, highways chiefs say. A consultation was also held in spring although the final proposals have not yet been announced.

Cotswold District Council opposition leader Tony Berry (C, Kemble) is concerned about the changes. He said: “Something or someone must be driving the current proposals to change the traffic flows and parking in Cirencester. Given the number of groups in the community that have rejected the proposals out-of-hand, why is it going ahead?

“If it’s the people that put the whole change to the Market Place together originally, can we trust them to do a better job this time round?”

Jason Humm, director for highways and transport at the county council, said it had received many comments from the public, including about improvements to disabled parking, taxi and loading bays.

“I would like to apologise for the delay in this process but we are keen to put forward a recommendation that improves safety and access to the town while also ensuring the best solution for the wider community,” he said.