Progress on traffic study for North Camp

Work has started on a major study into traffic movement in the southern part of Farnborough.

Rushmoor Council has appointed Farnborough based traffic consultants, the Stilwell Partnership, to look at traffic movement in the area to help decide where improvements can be made to smooth traffic flows and reduce the effects on local residential roads. It will also inform the key decision on whether the one-way scheme in Park Road should stay.

The Council hopes that the study will be completed in time for its Cabinet to make a decision on Park Road and the other traffic issues in November. The Council recognises that this is an extremely complex issue and that the knock-on effect on roads as part of the one-way scheme in Park Road must be seen as part of the bigger picture. This is why Rushmoor persuaded the County Council to agree to a survey covering much of the south and east of Farnborough.

Further traffic counts will be carried out once schools and colleges are back. The consultants will also take into account the likely impact of new developments on the area, such as the Aldershot Urban Extension.

Councillor Roland Dibbs, Cabinet Member for Environment, said, "I understand the frustrations caused by many in having to take a longer route in their journey to or from work, but the convenience of those using the road as a through route has to be balanced against the quality of life for all local road users, including children on routes to school."

Local councillor for St Mark's ward, Councillor Mrs Diane Bedford, said, "I feel the problems that were found in the Park Road area have highlighted the need for a wider survey, and that we are working hard to find a solution for all residents in that area and beyond."

Councillor John Starling, who also represents St Mark's, said, "At long last we are having a road traffic survey that encompasses the whole of the North Camp/ South Farnborough area carried out by independent local traffic consultants. This will go some way to help the beleaguered residents of Park Road and all road users in the area. I am looking forward to the consultant's findings."

The Council has received comments from many residents in and around Park Road, as well as commuters and recognises that the temporary one way system in Park Road affects people from outside the area.

Contact: Jim Pettitt, Head of Street Scene Services on 01252 398200.

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