Bratton Road will have bollards installed in the latest step to address concerns about the pavement widening and the priority give-way scheme.
The scheme, introduced last year, widened the pavement and narrowed the carriageway to one vehicle width, requiring traffic from the Bratton direction to give way. Wiltshire Council says it was designed to improve pedestrian safety, but residents argue it has made matters worse by increasing congestion, creating difficulties for those entering or exiting driveways and leading to tension between motorists.
At an on-site meeting earlier this month, residents told local MP Andrew Murrison the scheme has brought continuous traffic, honking and poor visibility. Dr Murrison criticised the lack of consultation before the works began and called on the council to work with the community on possible solutions.
Wiltshire Council said a Stage 3 Road Safety Audit carried out in March 2024 recommended additional hatched markings on the approach to the build-out, which have since been installed. In response to requests from residents and the local council member, further bollards will also be added this autumn to stop vehicles mounting the pavement.
Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said, “The Bratton Road scheme was developed following concerns raised locally about pedestrian safety along the narrow footway. Westbury Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) and Westbury Town Council submitted a bid for funding under the Substantive LHFIG process. As with all LHFIG schemes, the town council consults with the community prior to implementation.
“Residents were informed ahead of the works through a letter drop and meetings between residents and officers also took place when requested.
“Post-construction monitoring has included site observations and traffic surveys. Under normal conditions, the scheme has operated well, though some problems were observed during recent roadworks and the temporary closure of the A350, when traffic used Bratton Road in ways not intended. These issues were linked to driver behaviour and congestion, rather than the design of the scheme itself.
“Traffic surveys have found that since implementation there has been a 3mph reduction in 85th percentile speeds, from 29mph to 26mph, as well as a reduction in average speeds. Westbound average speeds are now 17mph. The percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit has also reduced, from 11.1% to 5%.”
Pictured: Residents meeting MP Andrew Murrison to discuss concerns on Bratton Road
