Concerns continue over Bratton Road scheme

THE recent work to introduce a priority give-way system for motorists and widen the pavement at Bratton Road was once again discussed by town councillors following concerns from residents of Bratton Road and fellow road users.

The scheme by Wiltshire Council was introduced to improve pedestrian safety following incidents of near misses with vehicles to those using the pavement. Work took place to widen the narrow pavement, and the priority give-way systems gives priority to cars travelling out of town towards the cemetery.

The next stage of the plans could see the removal of parked cars on the Bratton Road side. However, a resident who approached Westbury Town Council at last week’s meeting of the highways planning and development committee, says that the parked cars currently act as a form of traffic calming, and residents are concerned over the impact caused, should they be removed.

Speaking in the public forum at the meeting, the resident said, “Parked cars on Bratton Road offer some speed reduction benefits, so if we are going to remove those benefits, what will this be replaced with?”
He added that if the parked cars were removed from Bratton Road, motorists would have a “free run” from The Laverton to Alfred Street.

Wiltshire Council says that they are proposing to extend the double yellow lines on Bratton Road by 14m, which would see 60m of on-street parking retained, but no decision has been made yet.

The council has commissioned contractors to undertake a stage three road safety audit of the current scheme and Wiltshire Council is awaiting their report. Should this highlight any areas of concern or requirements for changes, they say these will be actioned accordingly.

An objection to the proposed restrictions was received as part of the formal advertisement process, meaning that the decision whether to proceed with implementation will be made by cllr Caroline Thomas. A cabinet member decision report is to be prepared and published to the Wiltshire Council website in “due course”.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport said, “We are proposing to extend the existing double yellow ‘no waiting at any time restriction’ at Bratton Road in Westbury by 14m. This proposal would see approximately 60m of on-road parking also retained. These restrictions should ensure that vehicles can pass those waiting at the give-way line without creating a blockage.

“The proposed parking restrictions were subject to formal advertisement from 15th December 2023 to 15th January 2024. As the majority of existing parking will be retained, vehicle speeds will continue to be constrained through the narrow section of carriageway. It is not anticipated that vehicle speeds would increase as a result of the proposed changes.”

Westbury town councillors showed support for the overall scheme at Bratton Road at the meeting last week, but suggested that a few improvements could be made such as a white line for cars to stop at as they approach from the town and new signage to inform the priority drivers to give way to oncoming vehicles that are already in the narrow section.

Cllr Mark Bailey suggested that an issue of concern is that motorists “tend to put their foot down” if they know they have right of way and that he thinks there should be some kind of speed mitigation in the area.

Speaking about the scheme, cllr Jane Russ said, “The concept was good and the wide pavement is brilliant as I no longer fear for my life walking along that road now. But I would say that an issue has been created as there is not a white line for cars to stop at for the traffic coming from the town.

“Also, signage needs to be improved to let those travelling from Bratton know that they need to give-way to cars that are already in the narrow section, although they have right of way.”

Cllr Bailey suggested that a sign should be put in place that says ‘Give way to those in the narrow section’.