Controversial Kings Barton traffic plans approved

Hampshire County Council approved the plans which include closing parts of Andover Road and Wellhouse Lane to through traffic, introducing a 20mph speed limit on parts of Winchester Avenue and nearby residential roads, and installing 14 raised tables. The decision comes despite hundreds of objections during the public consultation and a series of passionate speeches from residents before the final say. Speaking at the executive member for highways and passenger transport meeting on Monday, September 7, Christine Bonfield said Winchester Avenue was not suitable for the amount of traffic it would carry. She warned that thousands of vehicles travelling over the raised tables would create 'bottlenecks', increase pollution and delay emergency vehicles. Mrs Bonfield said: 'The decision to close Andover road was a government decision which may have tied Winchester city council's hand, but the plan is not safe. No amount of traffic calming is going to make it safe. 'This plan is not going to benefit the people in any way.' Charles Talac, who has lived in Bereweeke Avenue for 16 years, said residents had accepted that measures would go ahead but feared the traffic changes would simply move the problem elsewhere. Speaking on behalf of local residents, he said: 'We accept that Andover Road will happen and recognise that all initiatives of traffic management will improve safety at Kings Barton. 'But that will come at the cost of the safety of people in Weeke and Bereweeke.' He warned drivers would use Bereweeke Avenue, Bereweeke Road and Stoney Lane to avoid Winchester Avenue, making routes used by children walking and cycling to school more dangerous. Irfan Khan, director of finance at Peter Symonds College, also raised what he described as 'critical' safety concerns. While supporting the wider Kings Barton development, he said closing Andover Road would force traffic onto Bereweeke Road, directly past the college. Mr Khan told councillors the road was already narrowed by parked vehicles and warned that combining commuter traffic, buses and delivery vehicles with more than 5,000 students and staff during peak periods would 'significantly increase the risk of a severe accident'. Approving the recommendations, Cllr Steve Forster said he had 'listened carefully' to all the concerns raised during the meeting. He said: 'I've listened carefully to all the concerns raised. I want to reassure everyone that all points raised have been taken on board. 'In making my decision, I've considered issues including road safety, traffic movement, access, the local community, environmental impacts and the concerns raised by residents and stakeholders. 'It's not an easy issue, but I'm satisfied that I've heard and considered all the information before making a decision. 'Based on everything I've heard, and the information submitted, I approve the recommendations, but I want to assure everyone that I will work with officers to make sure we focus on the review that is already underway.'