Panel hears of effects of Shrewsbury traffic scheme

Shropshire County Council’s economy and environment scrutiny panel has received an update on the temporary traffic management trial in Shrewsbury, which is taking place as a result of the essential road closure of St Mary’s Street.

The panel, who met on Wednesday 16 April, were given a report of the trial which began on Monday 7 April, as part of the third phase of the town centre enhancement scheme.

Although there have been a number of teething problems, as were expected for such a large scheme, the trial has had a positive impact on lessening the number of cars travelling through the historic town centre on High Street.

Officers reported to the panel that the initial impressions were that:
- Park & Ride bus services were much busier than usual.
- Levels of use on other bus services appeared to be unaffected.
- The car parks on the edge of town were busier than usual, while those such as Barker Street were quieter.
- Levels of through traffic on High Street and Town Walls were down.
- The approach to the town from Heathgates to the railway station was variable, with journey times ranging from 40 minutes to seven minutes during the first week: this had now settled to around 20-25 minutes in the morning peak.

Officers also reported that there had been a mixed reaction to the scheme from the public and traders, with some saying that the town was a much more pleasant place to visit and that the scheme was working well, and others reporting that the town was quiet and trade was down.

The panel also heard that the council is working hard to continue to attract people into the town during these works, and as part of this the council has put together a Spring into Shrewsbury programme. This programme, taking place every Saturday from 12 April until 17 May 2008, includes a variety of street entertainers, making full use of a traffic-free St Mary’s Street.

Alan Mosley, chair of Shropshire County Council’s economy and environment scrutiny panel, said: "Obviously there have been a number of inevitable teething problems but in many areas the scheme is proving a success.

“Everyone is confident that important lessons will be learned to help devise long-term solutions to problems relating to increasing traffic congestion, pollution, the need to create a better environment for shoppers, tourists and Shrewsbury residents, while providing much improved public transport.

“We look forward to receiving a full evaluation in due course."

24 April 2008