Shrewsbury Transport Partnership to present at scrutiny

The Shrewsbury Transport Partnership will present “The Three Golden Principles”, a proposal to reduce through town traffic and improve air quality, at the Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel meeting this week (Tuesday 18 March).

This traffic management system, a longstanding recommendation, is based on three outer and three inner interchange points for buses and cars.

The three outer interchange points are already in place being the Park & Ride sites at Meole Brace, Oxon and Harlescott. At these points it is proposed that people could transfer from country buses and/or their cars onto the Park & Ride buses into town, reducing the number of buses required in the town and so improving air quality.

The three inner interchange points would need to be positioned at the three main public entrances to the town being the English Bridge, Welsh Bridge and railway station, therefore reducing cross town traffic.

The proposals also include a hopper environmentally friendly small bus service within the river loop and pedestrianising certain streets.

Alan Mosley, Chair of Shropshire County Council’s Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel, said: “There is agreement that significant change is needed to improve the amenities, economy and environment within the town centre to the benefit of residents, shoppers, businesses and tourists.

“These plans seem to be substantial proposals as many look to kick start rigorous consideration and consultation by the county council and the new unitary Shropshire Council.”

Neil Spence from the Shrewsbury Transport Partnership will be presenting these plans.

Also to be discussed at scrutiny will be the performance of utility companies working on the county’s roads. The county council is pleased that so many of these companies are paying attention and striving to improve their service and will be attending the meeting.

Alan Mosley added: “Improvements in liaison and quality are reported and we will be questioning representatives from the utilities to ensure that the trend continues and to deal with outstanding problems.”

18 March 2008