One-way traffic system heading to town?

PLANS for a new one-way traffic system for Bungay brought a bigger than usual attendance at the annual town meeting at the Riverside Centre on Monday.

But those who went along were disappointed that Suffolk County Council had turned down the town council's invitation to send officers to discuss the proposals, which will go out for public consultation shortly.

The two main proposals up for discussion are to make St Mary's Street one way south-to-north, with north-south traffic using Trinity Street, which is already one-way, although it is felt weight restrictions would be needed there. Already heavy traffic is banned from going through the town north-to-south, and is routed via the A143 bypass and B1062 through Flixton.

The second proposal involves a one-way system in the triangle of Lower Olland Street, Bardolph Road and Upper Olland Street. Both proposals would have an effect on side streets, and concerns have already been voiced by some residents.

Town clerk Peter Morrow said the town council planned further meetings with county council highway officers, which would lead to plans being revised as necessary. Revised proposals would then go out for public consultation.

One member of the public asked whether the plans involved speed limit and weight restrictions. Mr Morrow said they were part of the scheme,

and although speed restrictions were not, “they must feature in the implementation of the plan.”

Roma Went said yellow lines for parking restrictions were needed in a number of areas, particularly outside Holy Trinity Church. Others have been called for- particularly in St John's Road between the Wingfield Street and Bardolph Road junctions, where some felt parking contributed to a fatal accident some years ago.

Mr Morrow said parking in the area was a constant problem for cyclists, pedestrians and others using the highway, and the council was well aware of the need for urgency.