The controversial scheme for a liveable neighborhood in Bath, initially blocked by a legal challenge, will be reinstated “as soon as possible” without undergoing a public consultation.
The issue came to a head when locals took Bath and North East Somerset Council to the High Court earlier this month, seeking to stop the plans to block Winifred’s Lane to through-traffic. Their concern was that this would dangerously redirect traffic past children’s schools. The council, after acknowledging “minor technical issues” with the initial experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO), did not contest the case.
Now, the council has announced its intention to introduce another ETRO for the scheme without prior community consultation. This decision has only served to deepen the divide and escalate tensions among the objecting locals.
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Cllr Manda Rigby, council cabinet member for highways, addressed the decision in a video posted to the council’s social media platforms, stating that the council had opted not to reconsult before relaying the new ETRO, citing previous consultation efforts and the necessity to observe the impact of the trials before making permanent decisions. Rigby emphasized the weight given to the experiences of those residing in the area over transient commuters wishing to avoid main roads.
In response, a group opposing the scheme highlighted the lack of open and fair discussions about the closure of Winifreds Lane and raised serious concerns about its impact, especially on the redirection of traffic past junior schools and residences in less affluent parts of Bath, in addition to the potential environmental repercussions.
While urging the council to address the area’s traffic issues through traffic calming measures rather than the closure of Winifred’s Lane, the objecting group called for dialogue and compromise, stressing the need for the council to address the legal issues related to the ETRO, and to appoint an independent auditor to assess existing schemes.
Ms Rigby also explained that the council conceded the claim on procedural errors highlighted during the legal proceedings, further stating that the pause due to the court case resulted in the loss of the council’s slot with contractors, rendering the installation of the scheme unfeasible, regardless of the court’s decision.
Despite the council’s plan to install bollards and implement traffic restrictions, opposition from locals, who foresee increased traffic along dangerous routes that compromise safety and the environment, remains steadfast. The council’s intention to block through-traffic on Catharine Place and carry out a major overhaul of Gay Street has also sparked dissent, with over 3,000 people signing a petition against the plan.
While some residents support the council’s plans for the area, emphasizing potential benefits, such as reduced ‘rat-running’ and improvements in the city’s environment, opposition to the scheme persists. The council’s efforts to address long-standing traffic issues in Bath continue to be fraught with controversy and opposition.