Less than two weeks ago, B&NES’ Communications Officers were denying any knowledge of the possibility of reversing the one-way system on Fortescue Road, which was changed as part of £1 million worth of Highways work to make way for the town’s regeneration scheme. Last Wednesday morning, however, the Council confirmed that this option is now being ‘considered’.

The original change to the layout has meant that cars coming from the new link road or Haydon would have to turn left back towards Westfield, u-turning at the roundabout, should they need to travel to Bath. This has probably made Fortescue Road quieter and The Street busier. Safety concerns have also been raised with some motorists either confused or ignoring the left turn.

Whilst some have welcomed the change in road system, saying it is helping congestion, Radstock’s Conservative Councillor, Deirdre Horstmann, has welcomed the news that B&NES Council is to look into the possibility of reversing the one-way system in the centre of the town.

She says there have been complaints from residents and traders in the town that the one-way system goes against the natural flow of traffic – causing additional tailbacks and discouraging passers-by from stopping at the local shops.

Following a meeting between Councillor Horstmann, local traders and the Council’s new Conservative leadership, B&NES has now promised that it will look at the possibility of reversing the direction of traffic in the town centre.

Councillor Horstmann said: “I’m delighted that the Council has agreed to look at the possibility of reversing the new one-way system in the town centre. This is something I have been pressing for since meeting with local traders and residents after the elections in May.

“Obviously the Council needs to look into the implications of reversing the traffic flow before putting anything in place and any change ought to be on a trial basis, as we don’t want to solve one problem only to cause another. However, it’s good that B&NES is now actively considering this.”

Councillor Anthony Clarke (Cons), the Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, added: “Our new administration is always keen to look at ways in which we can improve traffic and support local businesses.

“We need to undertake the necessary technical work to understand what the impact on the road network would be if we were to reverse the direction of traffic on Fortescue Road, but this is something we are looking into.”

Jo Milling, on behalf of the new Radstock Town Team, said this week: “Many of the traders with premises in Fortescue Road are very keen to see it put back to its original direction, as we feel this would make it easier for people wishing to visit the shops, particularly those who would like to stop in Fortescue Road and pop in to one of the businesses.

“Some of the traders met with senior B&NES Councillors earlier in the year and have asked them to look at the possibility. The current arrangement discourages people from turning in to Fortescue Road at the Victoria Hall end and we have noticed that significantly fewer people are parking in the road to use the shops.”