New traffic lights proposed for Chesham (From This Is Local London)

New traffic lights proposed for Chesham

12:05pm Thursday 2nd April 2009 in News By Andy Carswell

MORE traffic lights could be installed in Chesham town centre – to improve the flow of traffic.

Pollution from stationary cars is being blamed for poor air quality in the town, with the area along Berkhampstead Road and Broad Street being worst affected.

The plans to put in more lights is being considered by Chiltern District Council as part of its Air Quality Action Plan.

But Chesham councillor Noel Brown has attacked the proposal – saying it would make the town's traffic problems even worse.

Cllr Brown told the Bucks Free Press: “It's completely unproven and in my experience doesn't seem to work.

“I'm quite worried it will slow traffic up and leads onto even more of a problem.

“We all accept Chesham has a problem. It has an air problem and we do need to find a way round it.”

He said the only place new traffic lights should be considered is at the roundabout at the bottom of White Hill.

A report by the council suggested the plan is “likely” to receive a “positive reaction” as it would “improve traffic flow and therefore reduce congestion”.

But it added proposals were “wholly dependant” on funding from the county council.

Other options being considered are an increase in patrols by traffic wardens and a review of existing parking restrictions.

However Cllr Brown said these would not make any difference to the flow of traffic.

And he criticised the district council for not consulting the town council, which he is a member of, on the proposals.

He said: “There is no formal public consultation. They didn't go to the town council or the police, who normally have a view on traffic matters.”

Cllr Brown added: “There isn't an easy solution. Over the next five years great expectations outputs will be dropping. Manufacturers are pushing that way and maybe that will be our biggest saviour.”

Plans to restrict the number of lorries using the roads through the town and reduce the speed limit to 20mph have been scrapped however.

Rachel Prance, press officer for Chiltern District Council, said: “The feasibility of any form of urban traffic control measures are subject to detailed assessment and if air quality is not predicted to improve with them then further alternatives would need to be considered.

“It is of course a very difficult stretch of road to tackle, being a part of the strategic highway network.

“We would wholly welcome suggestions from residents on other ways in which they think air quality could be improved in advance of the development of a final plan. Closing date for comments is April 17.”