CAMPAIGNERS have launched a bid to force highways chiefs to scrap a controversial trial which will see a one-way system introduced on Avon Street.
Worcestershire County Council revealed on Wednesday (May 6) a section of Avon Street will be made one way from the High Street traffic signals towards the west as far as the junction of Avon Street with Brick Kiln Street.
The move is set to be introduced on May 24 but has attracted condemnation from local residents who have now launched an online petition in a bid to force council chiefs to think again.
Town councillor Emma Nishigaki launched the Change.org petition after being contacted by residents and highlighted the problems the proposed scheme would bring to the heart of Evesham.
“WCC are implementing a new one way system along Avon Street. Preventing traffic turning right out of Brick Kiln Street.
“This means all cars and delivery vehicles must now exit this residential area via Albert Road or Queens Road. Both these roads are already heavily congested.
“At peak times cars can not leave to enter the High Street due to congestion and in turn block the entry of traffic leading to gridlock.
“To compound matters, both Albert Road and Queens Road have 7.5t limits. This will force all such vehicles over Black Bridges which is also congested. It’s a major walking route to Tesco and the retail park and has no pavement.
“Every vehicle will either have to travel along the very narrow residential street of Briar Close, or contend with the tight bend at the junction of Bewdley Lane and Albert Road.
“Instead of a 30 minute trip to the High Street from Brick Kiln Street, all traffic will have to take up to nearly a mile detour via Littleworth Street or Briar Close.
This plan is ill-conceived and will not work. It will be detrimental to every resident of the area. This scheme must be scrapped with immediate effect,” she added.
County highways bosses said the introduction of the scheme allow more time on green for the High Street north/south traffic, which should thus reduce congestion.
The trial is planned for a minimum of six months and will help to determine the effects on the wider highway network, by monitoring traffic flows, incidents, etc.
Any monitoring compiled during the current lockdown situation, where traffic levels have been greatly reduced, will not be used as part of the trial, according to the council.
Visit www.change.org/p/worcestershire-county-council-scrap-proposed-changes-to-avon-street-allow-traffic-to-turn-right-out-of-brickkiln-street to sign the petition.
