Traffic checks bid to reduce town pollution (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Traffic checks bid to reduce town pollution

POLLUTION in town centres must be cut by 2010 according to government guidelines and the problem has sparked strong debate in two west Wiltshire towns.

The question has plagued Bradford on Avon and Westbury for years and experts have drawn-up an Air Quality Action Plan

In Bradford, a variety of options have been put forward.

A partial one-way system on Mason's Lane was suggested as a possible solution but has been rejected after fierce opposition from residents.

Support has been gained for a relief road but this has been ruled out, as it is not viable by 2010.

Congestion charging was also deemed impractical for the same reason.

At a district council cabinet meeting last Wednesday, members supported demand management. This will involve traffic control and alternative routes to ensure vehicles travelling through the town centre need to be there.

Cllr Gordon Cox said: "Getting air quality to the required levels by 2010 is no easy feat, and Wiltshire County Council has brought in consultants Capita Symonds, who have a great deal of expertise in traffic management.

"We have been criticised for paying too much attention to peak hour congestion and traffic queues, but if we can get traffic flowing freely at all times through Bradford it will reduce the air pollution.

"We are left with demand management, and the sooner we all work together to make this work for the benefit of everyone who lives and works in Bradford on Avon, the better it will be."

Godfrey Marks, of Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust said: "The AQA plan does not add up and gets us nowhere. Once more we are left guessing."

In Westbury the situation is more straightforward because of the established proposal for a relief road. A government announcement on funding for a bypass is due in December.

Experts also believe improvements in engine technology will deliver the air quality standards in the town by 2010.