Road will be closed as an 'experiment'
THE controversial closure of a road in Patchway is to go-ahead – but will be "experimental" for 18 months.
South Gloucestershire Council decided to press ahead with the closure of Highwood Road to general traffic in July, despite strong oppositions from locals, including a 4,000-name petition which called for the road to be kept open to general non-commercial traffic, subject to a 20mph speed limit.
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Patchway residents and town councillors showed their feelings about South Gloucestershire Council's plan to close Highwood Road to through traffic earlier this year
But the authority has made the traffic order "experimental", which means residents are being consulted on the closure and can make comments or objections.
The council said the 18-month trial period will allow "a full evaluation of the impact of the scheme upon the adjoining highway network and local community to be fully considered".
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Traffic orders issued on the road show that its closure will take effect from Monday, October 15.
The closure will affect the section of Highwood Road between Charlton Boulevard (the entrance into the new Charlton Hayes development) and the western end of Coniston Road.
Once the scheme is implemented, only buses, taxis and cyclists will be permitted to use the restricted section.
Traffic emerging from Coniston Road onto Highwood Road will only be able to turn right (towards The Mall).
The southern carriageway of the affected section of Highwood Road has already been taken out of service and is being converted into a "linear park".
Access from Sycamore Drive onto the northern carriageway of Highwood Road was permanently blocked off on September 10.
Opponents of the scheme believe it will make it difficult for some residents to access local facilities and claim it will lead to "rat-running" along Coniston Road.
A South Gloucestershire Council spokeswoman said: "An experimental closure order will be in place on Highwood Road from October 15 for a period of up to 18 months.
"Highwood Road will be closed between Coniston Road to the west and Callicroft Road/Durban Road to the East except for buses, cycles and taxis.
"Signs are being put up in the area giving advance notice of the closure, including at either end of Highwood Road.
"Consultation signs will also be put up informing the general public on how to make comments/objections to this experimental closure."
Comments
by shabz0406
Thursday, October 18 2012, 4:25PM
“Haha i have just driven towards highwood road (forgetting/ignoring the fact its closed) and came across a queue of cars from the beginning to end! good road closure douche bags, bet the bus drivers love it (Y) what a complete flop!”
by lilmizz74
Monday, October 15 2012, 11:00AM
“Well it's October 15th and I'm pleased to say quite a few people are ignoring the fact that highwood road is meant to be closed and are using it as normal (myself included)!!”
by TerenceDicker
Saturday, October 06 2012, 12:24AM
“Good luck to you David.
Watch your back now, he'll be putting in a complaint about you I will wager.
He doesn't like it up him, just ask his old neighbours, bin getting away with it for years.
Best of British, Terry.”
by sheppas
Friday, October 05 2012, 12:32PM
“This is just another infuriatingly ludicrous transport decision for the bristol area!!
What next? Toll rollerblading lanes down the M32!!!”
by smoosername
Friday, October 05 2012, 12:31PM
“How about an experiment where Councils stop closing roads for 18 months?”
by Lord_Cider
Friday, October 05 2012, 12:11PM
“What is it with Bristol and OUR roads?
Why do muppet councillors feel they always know better?
Booze up & brewery as per usual, this is one of the more stupid decisions as well. Load our councillors who are responsible all up with lead weights and chuck the lot of em' in the Feeder for all the use they are to us, the ones who they are SUPPOSED to serve!”
by lolly60
Friday, October 05 2012, 11:38AM
“Can wait”
by KA12345
Thursday, October 04 2012, 10:13PM
“There is absolutely NO REASON whatsoever to close this road... an utterly ridiculous idea and whoever approved this needs to step out into the public and try to justify this joke decision... even though it just cannot be justified!
This is a busy dual carriageway which is used by many to get to The Mall and the leisure complex. By closing this road do the really council think that people will just jump onto the bus? - NO!! We will be FORCED to use rat-runs or take longer routes which once again causes pollution, increases congestion and wastes our time!
Looks like South Glocs Council are following in Bristol City Council's footsteps by approving the most ludicrous disruptive road/transport ideas....”
by MikeOxbig
Thursday, October 04 2012, 7:09PM
“This whole scheme is a total waste of my council tax. Highwood Road was built as a DUAL CARRIAGEWAY to serve the Mall, an out of town shopping centre, next to a motorway junction for one reason and one reason only; the car. Now, it seems, SGC expect everyone to go on the bus.
Cynically, I think I already know what the result of this 'experiment' will be!”
by lilmizz74
Thursday, October 04 2012, 6:48PM
“I live in the Charlton Hayes development and I really think closing Highwood road is a stupid idea!!! It's running fine as it is at the moment! There's hardly a huge need for a bus only (except for taxis and bikes) road surely???
If it ain't broke don't fix it!!”