Rossiter Road Campaign Key Reports
The removal of A36 traffic from the street, making Rossiter Road two-way, has been the Association's main campaign since its foundation. After many plans failed for a variety of reasons, we in 2003 had prepared and presented to the Council a proposal to make Rossiter Road into a two-way by-pass for through traffic, lorries and coaches, thus restricting the shopping street to carry only local traffic.
Two reports, A Sustainability Impact Assessment (2003) and the A36 Rossiter Road, two-way operation (2004), were prepared by B&NES in conjunction with the Widcombe Association.
The Sustainability Impact Assessment Report
This report showed:
- Current Safety
- There are fears for personal safety
- Cars are given priority over pedestrians and cyclists
- The existing crossing in Claverton Street is dangerous
- Noise/Pollution/Damage to buildings
- 92% quote traffic noise as a problem
- 88% regard air quality as poor
- A lower volume of traffic would reduce noise and pollution
- A lower volume of traffic would reduce damage to buildings
- Reduction of heavy traffic would encourage more shoppers/customers
- Shoppers' Attitudes
- 85% of convenience and top-up shoppers felt the Parade was unpleasant
- 75% of convenience and top-up shoppers felt the Parade was not user friendly
- 92% of niche/specialist shoppers felt the Parade was unpleasant
- 78% of niche/specialist shoppers felt the Parade was not user friendly
- Residents' attitudes
- Many felt that their community had been cut in two
- A reduction of speed and volume of traffic would make parking easier
- The Association scheme would create more parking spaces
- Volume, scale and speed of traffic dominate the Parade
- 84% thought the environment was unpleasant
- The traffic situation is NEGATIVE for all key issues
- The proposed Association scheme extends far beyond traffic management. It would improve:
- Quality of life
- The appearance of the area
- The prosperity and vibrancy of the Parade
The B&NES Report on Two-Way Rossiter Road
The B&NES consultants, Faber Maunsell, wrote a detailed report in May 2004 on the two-way operation of Rossiter Road, examining the feasibility of the Widcombe Association preferred scheme for removing heavy traffic from the shopping street in Widcombe. The Widcombe Parade area would still be a busy one-way route for local traffic from Pulteney Road, Prior Park Road and Widcombe Hill and for shoppers who wish to leave the A36.
This study considered the economic, environmental and social impacts on Widcombe Parade, Claverton Street and the surrounding area. It assessed the “high street” economy, the urban design, the amenities and the quality of life but did not extend to studies of the public realm, car parking and land use. Data already collected however on land use, pollution, car parking and experience elsewhere were used as supporting information. A study of Safe Routes to School and a transport modelling study were being prepared independently.
Research comprised professional observation and analysis plus a questionnaire distributed to residents, pedestrians, cyclists, shoppers and businesses from which nearly 80% returns were recorded. A quote from the report says that “Observations confirm that the volume, scale and speed of the traffic often visually dominate Widcombe Parade and significantly detract from its historic aesthetic character.”
In summary, according to their report the changes would:
- Remove HGV, coach and heavy traffic from the Widcombe Parade shopping area
- Improve access to shops
- Maintain access to the city centre
- Improve air quality
- Maintain access to the rear of Claverton Buildings and Sussex Place
- Maintain pedestrian amenity and improve pedestrian access
- Aid in achieving aims of the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan
- Maintain and possibly improve the local bus service
- Improve safety for pedestrians
- Maintain through traffic flows
- Cater for cyclists
- Discourage "rat-running"
The area, part of the World Heritage Site and in the Bath Preservation Area, has historic, cultural and environmental significance and contains many listed buildings which give it considerable heritage value. It forms an important gateway to the city centre and its conservation is essential. The local council has designated Widcombe Parade as a 'local shopping centre on edge-of-centre' but with the proposal to reduce the traffic flow with the consequent decrease in noise, pollution and vibration, we hope to upgrade that status.
For a Google Map of the area, click here