6. Traffic Management and Road Safety

 

To better manage the pressure of current and future traffic levels. This would involve dealing with traffic noise, pollution and problems with access and parking.

 

There are problems with traffic congestion, especially at "pinch points", such as Copse Cross Street and Alton Street. There were many comments in the questionnaire responses, as well as a long history of letters to the local paper, a submission from the Civic Society (see appendix A of the Town Plan), comments to elected representatives etc. However, the necessary actions arising from the questionnaire data were unclear.

When asked if they would be in favour of pedestrianising the town centre, if alternative vehicle routes were available, 47% of respondents said YES while 46% said NO. When this question was asked assuming that present routes stayed the same 23% were in favour of pedestrianisation and 65% against. The Civic Society was unable to support the pedestrianisation of the town centre as, in its view, this would be dependent upon the creation of a by-pass between Walford and Hildersley and result in the loss of the Town and Country Trail.

Opinions on the one-way system were even more mixed with 30% against change of the existing system, 7% supportive of reversing it, 16% removing it altogether, and 28% in favour of altering parts of it.

There is minority support for prioritising pedestrians in the town centre (38% for and 46% against) and requests for lower speed limits and more pedestrian crossings. Residents who took part in the Goodrich Court Focus Group commented on the lack of a pedestrian crossing outside Goodrich Court where they felt crossing the road is very dangerous. During the focus group with Adults with Learning Disabilities the comment was made that "Crossing the road can take ages as there are so many cars."

When asked in the questionnaire if they would be in favour of a southern bypass between Hildersley and Tudorville, 56% said YES, and 24% NO.

Issue To better manage the pressure of current and future traffic levels. This would involve dealing with traffic noise, pollution and problems with access and parking. Action Further investigations are required to develop a set of clear options for further consultation. RTC could ask Herefordshire Council(HC) to initiate these. A study should be set up to determine the impact of congestion on the economy of the town, the effect an increase in population will have on this (proposed new homes at Oveross, Hildersley and Tanyard Lane) and realistic solutions if there are any. In the current and widely predicted medium term financial situation at local and national levels, a southern bypass seems unlikely to be built for many years. Ross should lobby for this road as part of future land use development. Monitor and measure traffic conditions to support the development of options. Explore a park and ride scheme to link Ross Town with Wilton car park and Ross Labels Store. Responsibility Herefordshire Council Planning and Traffic Management Depts. Priority Medium priority. Long term.  Progress To Date:   Aug 2011 Approximately 70% of the respondents to the questionnaire (that largely formed the basis of the town plan) were in favour of some changes to the present traffic system which has been in place since May 1997, with further modifications made at a later stage (e.g. Chase Road, Cantilupe Road and Henry Street). Subsequent to detailed discussions with Amey and a review of the incomplete records dating back to 1996, it is apparent that a wholesale review of the current one-way system and traffic flow in the town would not be entertained by the Highways Department of Herefordshire County Council. However, specific changes to the present system could be considered if a rational case was submitted.

 

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