In a recent decision by Wiltshire Council Cabinet, Calne High Street is to reopen to southbound vehicular traffic. This decision was apparently taken to address concerns about air quality.
The intention is to undertake the reopening using the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order process. This allows the scheme to be in place for up to 18 months and comments to be received before a final decision on whether to make the scheme permanent or revert back to the current arrangements.
In advance of the reopening taking place site investigation and survey work is to be undertaken and a number of trial holes will be dug to ascertain ground conditions and inform scheme design. This work will take place shortly with the reopening planned for autumn this year.
It is envisaged that Wiltshire Council will look to tarmac the centre of High Street for vehicles and install temporary physical barriers on each side of the road to keep pedestrians safe.
The disabled parking currently on High Street will be suspended during the scheme with alternative provision provided on Wood Street.
About time to!
I prefer to shop out of town due to the time it takes to navigate the traffic queues, this will make it far easier to visit the town.
It’s difficult to understand how removal of a pedestrian area and encouraging more traffic flow will improve Calne’s small town centre. Surely better and safer pedestrian areas are the way to get more visitors?
Removal of the High Street pedestrian area will only leave Phelps Parade, Beach Terrace, pocket park and the small area outside Sainsbury’s.
Surely the focus should be on improving the environment for people, not cars.
Really????? Is reopening that lovely part of the street really going to make a difference? Please can you supply relevant air .-quality difference between the two areas????
Make some 20 min free parking at the side of High Street. CALNE NEEDS THIS ROAD OPEN. Might even pusuade Butcher/Baker/Grocer back into Town .
A Maccies in the Old Lloyds Bank. Or a Cinema there. It can all happen if the High Street opens and the flow of traffic is organised well
At last – sense has prevailed!