Buses and coaches jamming Sidmouth's streets >>> >>> “There has to be a Park and Ride for large coaches so they do not go into town.”

One of the key issues for the Neighbourhood Plan to consider is how to deal with traffic and transport in the Sid Valley:
Futures Forum: Neighbourhood Plan: final household survey launched >>> the main themes so far
Futures Forum: Neighbourhood Plan: final household survey launched > housing, transport and economic resilience

The body responsible for these matters is ultimately the County Council:
Futures Forum: Devon County Council elections: the issues > infrastructure

Although a lot of money would come through the District Council and so-called 'Community Infrastructure Levy' cash from developers:
Futures Forum: Community Infrastructure Levy projects > Neighbourhood Plan steering group calls for clarity

There are several hot-spots when it comes to congestion, however:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth traffic flow map

But it seems that what we don't need is more roads:
Futures Forum: "Building new roads makes traffic worse" >>> Devon has more road than anywhere else, but also the slowest roads in the country
Futures Forum: The Great Infrastructure Myth

What we need is a traffic management plan for the Sid Valley:
Futures Forum: Parking in Sidmouth: District Council 'now needs to work in an open and transparent way and in consultation with residents and businesses.'
Futures Forum: Traffic Management Plan for Sidmouth: "We have a golden opportunity to address Sidmouth's future traffic and transport issues which will help improve everyone's quality of life and shopping experience."

And one of those options is a P&R scheme:
Futures Forum: Is it 'Park & Change' or 'Park & Ride'?
Futures Forum: District Council draft Local Plan: and Park & Change

Things came to a head this week:

Long queues on Sidmouth Station Road

PUBLISHED: 10:04 05 July 2017 | UPDATED: 17:27 05 July 2017

Clarissa Place

Jackie Green took these photos of the standstill in Station Road.

Motorists faced delays in Sidmouth as traffic came to a standstill on Station Road last night (Tuesday)

Cyclist Jackie Green took these photos and said the narrowness of the road was causing ‘havoc’ as buses and coaches struggled to pass each other.

Mrs Green said: “I have never seen a traffic jam like that. I thought perhaps there had been an accident and I continued cycling along just to see what had happened and it was just traffic.

“I couldn’t believe four buses arrived at the same time on the road. There was the tourist bus and it was completely stuck and causing havoc.

“There has to be a park and ride for large coaches so they do not go into town.”

Diversions were in place in town due to repairs work being carried out by Wales & West Utilities in Temple Street.

Devon County Council has agreed to close the road at the junction with Peaslands Road so work can be carried out.

Engineers were called to the road on Friday following reports of a gas leak and have begun work to repair it.

Jason Gale, Wales & West Utilities operational manager for Sidmouth, told the Herald yesterday [July 4]: “Due to the complex nature of the repair work, we are unable to say when we are likely to finish our work in the area. However, we would like to reassure local people that these leaks are minor, and are constantly monitored for safety.

“We know this work is disruptive, but it is important that we fix this leak now so that we can continue to keep gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area. Due to the nature of the work, we are unable to say when we are likely to finish, but our engineers are working as safely and as quickly.”

Were you affected last night? How long were you in the traffic for?

Long queues on Sidmouth Station Road - Latest Sidmouth and Ottery News - Sidmouth Herald
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