HOPES of finding a solution to Bovey Tracey’s traffic problems which often sees the main street gridlocked when passing vehicles get stuck, and lorries become jammed, have moved a step closer.

The town council commissioned an independent traffic consultant – it was externally grant funded – to prepare a town centre traffic management plan to address congestion in Fore Street while keeping schemes associated with the town’s regeneration informed.

In the initial concepts, half-a-dozen options were considered and two were discounted.

The four remaining:

l A do nothing scenario with users of the high street adjusting behaviour to accommodate constraints;

l On-street parking with traffic calming, two-way traffic flows with priority in one direction to mitigate gridlock potential.

l A one-way system starting after the junction of Mary Street with East Street.

l A one-way system commencing after the junction of Coombe Close with Bradley Road.

Cllr Eoghan Kelly told Monday’s town council recreation, parks and property committee that it could include the creation of a town square and enhancement scheme near the Cromwell Arms, and proposals for a one way system in Fore Street.

‘The options have been cobbled with the bus company and it is quite supportive. The majority feel that a one way system going down the town is the best option.

‘We need to go back to talk to representatives of the bus company and to any residents who are directly affected. There will have to be lengthy discussions.

‘A big plus would be to have parking on the main street and there would be safer crossing points for pedestrians.

‘If it goes through, whichever option is chosen, there would be an 18 months trial period after which it would be reassessed and if it had not worked it would revert back,’ he stated.

Cllr Kelly continued that the county council would not agree to any changes until the bus company agreed.

He added that once the consultation was complete the results could be taken to the bus company and the county council.

‘There is no reason, if everything is done on time, why it could not start in September,’ he told councillors.

The council is inviting feedback from residents on the council’s website via an online web form.

Delegated authority is being given to the regeneration committee to undertake and promote a number of consultation events, where draft plans will be displayed inviting comments.

The results are to be tabled at a future council committee before preliminary discussions are held with the county council.