Calls to make Calne town centre one-way amidst traffic

Calne Town Councillors recently considered a report into “a complete solution” for the town centre’s traffic woes.

This proposed solution attempts to address “persistent traffic blockages” due to large numbers of cars travelling through narrow roads and high levels of pollution as a result.

The plans suggest a one-way traffic flow into the town centre from the A4 Curzon Street roundabout near Whitehorse Vets through The Square, Wood Street, and North Street until the junction with Zander Road.

This route was highlighted as an area of significant traffic issues that has seen several vehicle crashes and pedestrian injuries in the last 12 months.

A report prepared for town councillors argues this plan would ensure “smooth” traffic flow and would be the “simplest and most inexpensive intervention.”

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Wood Street now (Image: Calne Town Council) Meanwhile, Wiltshire Council is pushing ahead with separate plans to reopen the currently pedestrianised High Street to tackle traffic and pollution problems.

Work on the road is expected to start in January 2025 after being pushed back to avoid causing disruption during the festive period.

Cllr Nick Holder added: “We want to improve air quality in Calne and help relieve some of the traffic issues on The Square, which is why we’re trailing opening High Street to traffic, one way from north to south.

“We are committed to having well-connected communities in Wiltshire, and we hope these changes will help improve the air quality and traffic flow in Calne.”

This arrangement will remain in place for a trial period of 18 months, during which time residents can have their say on whether they want the arrangement to become permanent.

Calne Town Council has raised some concerns about this scheme while the report believes that a one-way system would be a more “comprehensive” solution than reopening the High Street.

Wood Street under the one-way plans (Image: Calne Town Council) During a recent meeting, fears were raised about the “uncertainty” of a public crossing point on the High Street once cars have returned, and the impact on surrounding streets.

Town councillors resolved to keep the options presented by the complete solution open during the High Street trial.

The town council plans to monitor the ongoing situation and offer elements of this plan to Wiltshire Council as solutions to any issues that might arise during the trial.

Wiltshire Council believes opening the High Street would improve air quality, particularly on The Square, where the narrow road causes queuing traffic, dangerous passes, and the mounting of kerbs.