Residents and businesses in Bridgwater are invited to have their say on the one-way traffic system in place in the Eastover area and options for potential changes.
A southbound one-way system was introduced on Salmon Parade as part of the Bridgwater Town Deal Celebration Mile project, and a north-bound one-way system was introduced on East Quay. Wider pavements, a new cycle lane and a west-bound one-way system were also introduced on Eastover as part of the project.
The scheme was funded by the Government as part of the Bridgwater Town Deal and aims to enhance the visitor experience in key areas of the town and improve cycling and walking provision. It was delivered by Somerset Council having been designed, consulted and approved by the former Sedgemoor District Council and endorsed by the Bridgwater Town Deal Board.
A review of East Quay and Salmon Parade was commissioned in response to a Full Council motion in December, tabled by Councillor Leigh Redman, and a petition.
A report on the review, which combined live traffic data aimed at measuring the effect of the project on traffic in Bridgwater as well as five potential options, was discussed by Somerset Council’s Executive Committee on 3 June.
Recommendations made by Executive included a consultation with residents and businesses on the scheme and the options, which commences today and runs for six weeks closing on 11 August.
You can take part in this here: Celebration Mile traffic flow options consultation – Somerset Council – Citizen Space. The survey is comprehensive and aims to gather as much information as possible. It will take around 20-30 minutes to complete.
The independent review by Stantec looked at five options for East Quay and Salmon Parade:
- Maintain the existing arrangement along with the additional parking already introduced.
- Option A: Reversal of Salmon Parade (to northbound, allowing traffic to flow up past Town Bridge and continuing north onto East Quay).
- Option B: Two-way traffic on both roads.
- Option C: One-way traffic southbound down East Quay onto Salmon Parade.
- Option D: One-way traffic southbound down East Quay, one-way traffic northbound up Salmon Parade with all traffic exiting over the town bridge.
The report concluded none of the options would deliver a significant reduction in traffic congestion across Bridgwater, and that the project itself had not had a significant impact on the road network in terms of congestion. While Option A and B would improve traffic journey times on some routes to a degree, they would at the same time draw more traffic through the town centre seriously impacting on the environment for cyclists and pedestrians.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Roads said:
“We’ve listened to the early feedback and committed to a full consultation to give everyone the chance to have their say.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible and get a wide range of views, from motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, people who live in the area, business owners as well as people who regularly visit the area, and everybody else in between!
“This information will feed into a report which along with the views of key stakeholders in Bridgwater will help inform the next steps. We are aiming to get to this point at September’s Executive Committee.
“Please do take the time to do the survey if you can.”
Leader of Bridgwater Town Council, Cllr Brian Smedley said,
“We are pleased that this review and consultation is now taking place and would encourage as many residents, businesses and visitors as possible to take part.
“The Town Council has consistently called for a review of the Celebration Mile following its completion. While the project formed part of the Town Deal vision, many of the original concepts were developed over a decade ago and reflected circumstances that were very different to those Bridgwater faces today. Since then, there have been significant changes in travel patterns, town centre activity, local priorities and local government itself, including the transition from Sedgemoor District Council to Somerset Council.
“The Town Council’s Development Forum brought together councillors, businesses and community representatives earlier this year to discuss both the benefits and concerns surrounding the scheme, and we welcome Somerset Council’s commitment to seeking further public feedback.
“This consultation is an important opportunity for people to help shape the future of these arrangements. Whatever your view on the Celebration Mile, I would strongly encourage everyone to take the time to complete the survey and ensure their voice is heard before any decisions are made.”
Cllr Leigh Redman who proposed the motion to call for the review said,
“I’m pleased to see this consultation underway, because it’s vital that the final decision reflects how people actually move around Bridgwater day to day. The review makes clear that none of the options dramatically change congestion across the wider network, so the real test is whether they make life easier for residents, businesses and visitors.
“For me, the priority is restoring sensible, safe and practical movement through East Quay. Removing the ability to cut across town was a mistake, it forces all traffic into an already busy corridor and takes away the choice people rely on for everyday journeys. Calling that choice a ‘rat run’ misses the point entirely. It’s about giving people a workable route, especially when travelling from everyday places like Asda to Hamp.
“I want to see a compromise that protects the aims of the Celebration Mile while fixing the parts that clearly aren’t working. For example making East Quay two‑way again, supported by a raised crossing at the Town Bridge junction, would improve flow, maintain safety and give residents back a practical route without undermining the pedestrian environment. Salmon Parade could remain as it is, people can get into the car park and rear of the new centre of excellence once done.
“I’d encourage everyone to take part in the consultation. The more local voices we hear, the stronger and more balanced the final decision will be.”