Sirs,
So, somebody has decided that the sleepy Parade should lose at least 4, but probably more, 2-hour parking spaces. This to implement a one way system that any regular town user knows is not necessary and would probably damage the businesses located there. The Parade is not a major road. It does not contribute to the town’s problematic traffic flow and as such, it’s hard to see residents noticing any benefit from such a change.
A town centre traffic survey has been conducted in Marlborough over the past year by experts Atkins to review the congestion pinch points and perform magic by predicting traffic volumes to 2041. However, from the first briefing by Wiltshire Council and the Town Council with Atkins in November 2023, the Parade one way system was included as being an aim. Alongside the study into our busy and well discussed main roads, the Atkins study shows no fewer than three simulations for traffic flow in the humble Parade! There is a (false) implication that this is a serious traffic easing solution. It has developed over the past year into an expensively drafted plan showing every detail of the proposal – and all this before any proper and wider area public consultation. This consultation has now been tacked on later this month, but I believe only local residents have been informed of its existence.
It is difficult to see how any of the Parade’s businesses will benefit from a one way system and road users will lose convenient access to a local business hub from the High St. The actual justification from MTC is vague, if non-existent. And if the Parade was included in the Atkins brief, you might also question why weren’t Kingsbury Street, Silverless Street. and Hyde Lane? They really are town rat runs that might benefit from one-way consideration.
It has been estimated that at least 50% of the traffic in Marlborough is from outlying MTC precept payers and surrounding area residents doing daily shopping. Working out what needs to be done in a busy market town to eliminate pinch points isn’t about closing roads and reducing parking capacity, it’s about accepting modern lifestyles and providing more parking and user facilities – finding the compromise. That’s what will keep Marlborough in business and far more attractive to visitors.
The Atkins report ends disappointingly with no conclusions on what can be done, but it does point clearly and loudly to the parking problem as a major congestion contributor. And as far as the Parade is concerned, it is MTC’s duty to not tell residents what they need (there is no room for political points scoring) but to understand what pragmatic solutions help the town excel. Additional parking provision appears currently to be an afterthought or is not considered at all.
Yours,
Peter Morgan
Manton
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