Shifnal residents see plan to manage town traffic
Plans that could see Shifnal town centre made one way and traffic lights put on a major roundabout, have been put forward.
Two potential plans to transform the road network in Shifnal were unveiled to residents at an exhibition in the town's Trinity Methodist Church.
The plans were put forward as way for the town to cope with the increased traffic that will hit the town if proposed plans go ahead to build 1,600 new homes get the go-ahead.
The proposals would increase Shifnal's population by 60 per cent, leading to fears about the impact on the town's roads.
The proposals for the traffic were developed using a computer model simulation which replicates traffic and can show what effect different measures would take.
This resulted in two options for the town, which were outlined at yesterday's exhibition.
Option one involves traffic signals at the junction of Victoria Road, Market Place and Bradford Street. Bradford Street, a key road through the centre of the town, would become one way northbound except for access to car parks. Haughton Road westbound would only have access west of Haughton Village. Haughton road would remain two way with access only Southbound from Haughton Road and one-way northbound at the A464 to the first junction. Traffic signals would be placed at the A464 on the Five-ways roundabout.
Option two involves the same proposals as above with the added measure of making Curriers Lane one-way east or southbound and Aston Street one-way westbound.
As part of the traffic review there will also be a review of parking in the town, on-street parking restrictions, parking areas, a review of public transport provision, a review of key pedestrian and cycle routes, traffic calming on Curriers Lane and Haughton Road and opportunities to enhance Bradford Street.
Residents at the exhibition yesterday said they the options do not take into account the worst case scenario in the town, and will not make any difference to current traffic problems.
Shropshire Councillor for Shifnal North, Kevin Turley said there are still tweaks to be made to the proposals.
He said: "At the moment they are not showing the worst case scenario.
"They show an increase of 25 per cent on the traffic, we keep talking about these 1,600 homes which will be 60 per cent but we do need to take into account that 25 per cent have already been built.
"Really we need to look at the 75 per cent that's left and the proportional increase that will bring.
"Each resident isn't bringing an overall picture, they're concerned about their key area but hopefully the feedback will bring out the key concerns."
Victoria Merrill, area transport planning commissioner, said: "We are very pleased with the turn out.
"We've had a mixed response today, there are big planning changes afoot for Shifnal and we are trying to look at ways to mitigate the impact on highways and traffic.
"This is a lot to take on board for the future."
Residents must submit their feedback on the proposals before Thursday April 3.
