Traders call for rethink on new traffic restrictions in Stroud town centre (From Stroud News and Journal)
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Traders call for rethink on new traffic restrictions in Stroud town centre
2:00pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News
By Chris Warne, SNJ reporter for Stonehouse and Chalford. Twitter @ChrisWarneSNJ
Stroud Chamber of Trade and Commerce member Ron Cree of R & R Books (left) with property consultant Andrew Watton in Stroud High Street. Traders have called for a rethink on plans to introduce new traffic restrictions
STRONG opposition has forced Gloucestershire County Council to rethink plans to introduce new traffic restrictions in Stroud town centre.
GCC presented the town's chamber of trade and commerce with two options - either accept the new scheme, which barred waiting and loading in the High Street between 11am and 4pm, or continue with the existing scheme, which would be more rigorously enforced.
However, at two meetings last week traders felt that while changes were needed neither option was desirable.
John Mills, who owns Mills' Cafe, said the proposed restrictions risked 'crucifying' smaller businesses while property consultant Andrew Watton said they were 'unworkable from a commercial point of view'.
Glenn Dooley, of Gloucestershire Highways, said the aim was to improve safety in pedestrian zones with clearer signs to support existing traffic restrictions.
"Since then, further experimental changes have been requested," he added.
"We are now reviewing these requests to ensure the most appropriate changes are made, this has however delayed the planned April start date."
