Strong support for Sandwich Town Team's traffic management scheme
Published: 00:01, 20 October 2015
Sandwich Town Team has received strong support for its traffic management scheme after a drop-in information day last week.
The session was held at the Guildhall last Thursday and saw 150 people take part in the consultation process.
Residents were asked to participate in a poll when they entered to see if they think Sandwich has traffic problems , and 98% of people said they did.
This was followed by six presentations at various intervals throughout the day with an exhibition of maps and artistic impressions and questionnaires.
Richard Ralph, Town Team chairman, said: “While this is only the first stage of public consultation, it does show overwhelming support for a radical approach to Sandwich’s traffic problems which will help regenerate the town and encourage visitors, as well as benefiting residents.”
The top issue was lorries and buses. Other concerns were traffic speed, inconsiderate parking and driving, volume of traffic and an unfriendly pedestrian environment.
The Green Paper traffic plan was presented by the group and participants were asked to complete a survey indicating if they agreed or disagreed with proposals.
One idea could see hopper buses used in the town centre. This was supported by 70% of people and 96% supported the 7.5-tonne HGV limit with delivery exemptions.
There was also positive feedback to turning No Name Street into a pedestrian piazza, remodelling King Street to give pedestrians priority and making Market Street one way.
For the overall scheme, residents were 89% positive of the venture.
The full results can be found at www.hellosandwich.uk with an online survey.
Mr Ralph said: “Please take a couple of minutes to complete the online survey. The more people who answer the questions, the louder will be Sandwich’s voice.”
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