Council could close Shrewsbury 'rat-run' road to through traffic
A Shrewsbury road that has become a "rat-run" could be closed due to safety fears for drivers and pedestrians.
Consultation has begun into £30,000 plans to close Racecourse Lane in Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury, to through traffic.
Shropshire Council said it fears the road could become unsafe if action isn't taken soon.
In a statement, it said: "Concern has been expressed by local residents for a number of years over the level of traffic using Racecourse Lane and the safety of people around the Oxon School access.
"Due to ongoing housing developments in the area which will increase local traffic, the problem is likely to get worse unless action is taken to redirect 'rat-running' traffic to more appropriate roads.
"Following concerns from the local community over road safety and traffic volumes along Racecourse Lane, we propose to introduce a permanent closure by placing bollards across the road to the south of Lambourn Drive. Turning facilities for vehicles are also proposed.
"Local 'through traffic' movements would then use either Gains Park Avenue, Shelton Road or the A5, which are more suitable routes for this type of traffic."
Members of the Racecourse Lane Residents Association said they would be meeting designers on Friday to see plans.
Mayor of Shrewsbury Miles Kenny said: "It is not my part of the world but I do know it has got a very long history.
"It goes back 30 years and has been known as a rat-run for some time now.
"It does feel like an impossible situation – no matter what happens I believe there will be people who it upsets."
Last year, more than 200 homes were given the go-ahead for land at the former Shelton Hospital site following protests and discussions with nearby residents.
Shropshire Council said that with developments planned for the area the volume of traffic on the rat-run could increase by between 10 and 20 per cent. According to the council, plans were put forward to residents in 2014 at a public meeting where 45 attended.
In a vote, 36 voted for the closure and five voted to keep it open.
The council also said that traffic calming had been considered but members thought it would only deter a small number of drivers from using the lane, and said it is "expensive, unsightly and can create noise pollution".
The consultation is available at new.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved
