Council makes decision over Wrekin one-way system

At the time the council was concerned about the number of people visiting the site after the first lockdown was lifted, with the road frequently lined with parked cars on both sides as people looked to get back to nature.

A cycle lane was also introduced, along with double yellow lines along the route.

The system, which has now been in place since 2020, has met with frustration from some local residents, who have been campaigning for the council to reverse the changes for the past three years.

But now the council has said it intends to make the system permanent – with residents having until later this month to make their feelings known.

The council's own consultation on the plans also shows mixed results in terms of support for the measures.

There is majority backing for the introduction of double yellow lines and a reduction in speed limits, but a significant majority of the 398 respondents voiced opposition to the one-way system – 248 against the change and 149 in favour.

In a report detailing its own analysis and conclusions on the proposals the council accepted the opposition to the one-way element, but said without it, other measures – such as the cycle lane, would not be possible.

Regarding the one-way system the report said: "This element of the scheme has received the most comments through the consultation stage, which was expected due to the fundamental change to how the traffic in the area operates.

"It should be noted that whilst there is a small majority overall against the one-way restriction, this arrangement is required to allow the other improvements that are supported to remain in place.

"Should the one-way scheme be removed, due to the nature of the route it would not be possible to leave any form of pedestrian/cycle provision within the carriageway and maintain two way traffic flow, meaning that these users would be required to revert to walking and cycling along sections of carriageway within live traffic."

The report accepts the change means some residents and businesses face a longer journey, but says it should remain when balanced against other factors – such as increased cycle usage, and making other changes possible.

Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for highways, housing and enforcement, said the changes had benefited the area – increasing cycling and walking, and cutting down on unsafe parking.

Councillor Overton said that people would need to make official objections to the plans by August 16.

He said: "Since it was first introduced as part of the Wrekin Active Travel Scheme in 2020, the one-way system on Wrekin Course and Ercall Lane, along with speed limit changes, parking restrictions and cycle lanes, has significantly increased cycling and walking in the area and reduced unsafe traffic and parking.

"During the four-year consultation period since, amendments have been made based on feedback received, resulting in the current measures.

"These have been fully reviewed and the council is now following the legal process to make the one-way system permanent, which allows for other improvements, including the cycle lanes, to remain too, and brings the consultation process to conclusion.

“Full details of the Traffic Order are available online, at Darby House and in local town and parish council offices and any objections to the proposals should be made online or in writing by Friday 16 August 2024.”

More information on the changes is available at https://consultation.appyway.com/telford-and-wrekin/moving-order/0ee430b5-b6cc-4e75-8596-47170341e20c