BRADFORD on Avon Town Council has extended the deadline for residents to comment on traffic modelling options that could have a vital impact on the town for the next two decades.

The new deadline of Sunday, May 12 will give more of the town’s 9,000 inhabitants the chance to complete the traffic modelling feedback form.

The council said: “We understand how important this process is for the future of Bradford on Avon. This is why we want as many people as possible to have their voice heard.

“Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to offer their thoughts on the study so far.”

The council is seeking feedback on three options A, B and C, put forward in the £50,000 AtkinsRealis UK study prepared for the town council and Wiltshire Council.

The council said: “Initially two traffic management options (A and B) were identified. Both these options were tested using a microsimulation traffic model of the town.

Wiltshire Times: Option A Market Street and Silver Street one-wayOption A Market Street and Silver Street one-way (Image: AtkinsRealis UK)

“The potential for improvements for pedestrians and cyclists was also considered and assessed, including the possibility of wider pavements in some locations.

“The first option (Option A) was a model that involved one-way working on Market Street and Silver Street (similar to the pandemic one-way scheme).

"The other option (Option B) involved priority narrowing on both Market Street and Silver Street to formalise shuttle working at key pinch points.

Wiltshire Times: Option B pinch point priority narrowingOption B pinch point priority narrowing (Image: AtkinsRealis UK)

“The tests showed serious weaknesses with both, therefore a third option (Option C – a blend of Options A and B) was identified and tested in the traffic model."

Wiltshire Times: Option C Silver Street one-way and Market Street priority narrowingOption C Silver Street one-way and Market Street priority narrowing (Image: AtkinsRealis UK)

It added: “Option C emerged as the best-performing model:

  • it enables a significant change in the character of the town centre (through footway widening on upper Market Street and significant footway widening on Silver Street); widened footways are better located and more connected than with Option B
  • it does not lead to long traffic delays and disruption to bus services in the evenings as with Option A
  • however, Option C (as with Option A) does increase the amount of traffic on the Mount Pleasant / New Road / Springfield loop and therefore mitigation measures will need to be developed to calm traffic and enhance pedestrian safety in those locations.”

The councils are hoping the options will help to make life easier for pedestrians and cyclists using the town centre and moderate traffic speeds.

But some critics have pointed out that while they may improve safety, traffic flow and air quality, they do nothing to reduce traffic volume through the town.