BRADFORD on Avon Town Council has pleaded with people to give the new one-way and social distancing scheme a chance.

More than 1,000 residents took to local social media last Thursday to condemn it.

Others sent "incredibly hostile, inflammatory, aggressive and even abusive messages, calls and emails" to the council, which has since banned some people from its social media feeds.

They said: “As with any significant change in traffic flow, it is expected that there be will be some initial congestion and confusion for some commuters passing through the centre, as motorists adjust to the change.”

“This is a temporary system and will be amended within its duration to address any issues identified or to improve the working of the scheme. 

“The scheme is being monitored and we are taking a record of comments, both positive and negative, to pass back for Wiltshire Council’s consideration.

“While some journeys by car are unavoidable, please do consider using an alternative method of transport for short cross-town journeys. If you do need to make a car journey and find yourself queuing, please consider switching your engine off to reduce emissions.

“Although the scheme incorporates a partial one-way system, this is solely to provide for adequate walkways for pedestrians to keep social distance in the very centre of the town. It is not a trial of any permanent one-way scheme.

“However, it does give an opportunity to measure other impacts, such as air quality and traffic flow which may influence any future town-wide schemes.”

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways said: “A new one-way system has been implemented on Market Street and Silver Street as part of a joint project between Bradford on Avon Town Council and Wiltshire Council to improve social distancing.

“The traffic lights and bollards on the Town Bridge have created more space for pedestrians, enabling better social distancing but we recognise that the traffic lights have created queues for motorists.

“We are monitoring the situation and will be discussing the impact of the scheme, particularly the traffic lights, with Bradford on Avon Town Council next week and agreeing any adjustments that need to be made.”

Comments should be emailed to integrated.transport@wiltshire.gov.uk