Opinions split over road trial (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Opinions split over road trial

4:00pm Saturday 21st April 2012 in Corsham

A traffc-calming trial began on Monday in Corsham but it has already split opinions between town councillors.

The two-week trial has turned South Place into a single lane, with traffic from Pound Pill having priority over those coming from Pickwick Road.

It is hoped the move will make Corsham safer by slowing down motorists and giving pedestrians more pavement space. If it is a success, the move could become permanent and the pavements could be widened to allow better access for pedestrians.

Corsham Town Councillor Ruth Hopkinson said: “It will take some getting used but the best thing we can do is monitor it, which volunteers from Corsham Community Area Network will kindly be doing, and see what effect it has.

“It is much better to judge the trial when it has finished and decide whether it has been successful.”

Ever since the traffic calming trial was first proposed, Corsham Town Councillor Peter Davis has opposed it.

Cllr Davis, who is also a Wiltshire Councillor, said: “I have lived in Corsham and have walked, cycled and driven down this stretch of road all my life and I have never once seen an accident in 70 years. It will be gridlock here at rush hour and will cause utter chaos.”

Cllr Davis said the CCAN survey would only be worthwhile if another one was carried out once South Place became two lanes again, to compare the difference.

To take part in the survey, call 07954 159995.