One-way traffic trial begins on Calne High Street
Wiltshire Council is aiming to improve traffic flow and air quality
A Wiltshire high street is to be opened up to vehicles in one direction on a trial basis.
Work to open Calne High Street from Wood Street to Curzon Street starts today (Monday 13th January), with the aim to improve traffic flow, with queues are often found on The Square, and air quality in the town.
The trial period will see traffic heading south from Wood Street drive along High Street before turning left onto Curzon Street. A left turn will be the only exit available from the High Street.
Traffic heading west from Wood Street on to The Square will need to turn right at the mini-roundabout on Curzon Street and then head west along the A4.
Wiltshire Council's carrying out the project under an experimental temporary traffic order (ETRO). This allows the changes to be in place for up to 18 months, giving the council time to assess the trial before deciding whether to make the scheme permanent or revert the street to its current pedestrian-only use.
As part of the trial, tarmac will be installed down the centre of high street and temporary physical barriers placed on either side of the road for the safety of pedestrians.
Disabled parking spaces currently located on High Street will be temporarily relocated to Wood Street. Tree planters will be relocated to the footways or other suitable areas in the town.
Once the ETRO has been published, it will be available for people to comment on at Traffic Regulation Order consultations.
The council will be collecting feedback from the community throughout the trial, which will shape their final decision.
Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We want to improve the air quality in Calne and also help to relieve some of the traffic issues in the town, which is why we're trialling the opening of High Street to traffic, one way from north to south.
“This trial will last for up to 18 months. During that time, we’ll analyse the data, the impact on the local highway network and the feedback from the local community before deciding on the scheme’s future.
“Work will start on 13 January for around four weeks, and once the experimental temporary traffic order becomes live, I encourage residents to share their views to help us confirm next steps. This may mean refining or adapting the scheme.
“As outlined in our Business Plan, we are committed to creating well-connected communities and taking responsibility for the environment, and we hope this trial will improve both air quality and traffic flow in Calne.”