THE LONG-awaited traffic model of Evesham is ‘nearing completion’ and will be used to support a major transport strategy for the town, council chiefs have said.
As the Observer has extensively reported, Worcestershire County Council announced last year they would conduct a £100,000 traffic study in a bid to solve Evesham’s chronic congestion problems.
This involved traffic surveys being carried out in the town last June to ensure the model truly reflected how the town’s roads are used.
Information and data gathered was then fed into computer software to build the traffic model which can then test how any proposed changes to the road network might affect traffic flows.
Once the traffic model is complete it will be used to test a number of different scenarios or options to tackle the misery faced by Vale drivers on a daily basis.
The model will also be used to lay the foundations for a transport strategy, which will look at all types of transport in and around the town, and is being developed by the County Council and Wychavon District Council.
The Transport Strategy will be managed by a steering group, made up of local County Councillors for Evesham, representatives of Wychavon District Council and supported by local interest groups, with all evidence, results and decisions made available on Worcestershire County Council’s website.
Copies of any reports and information generated will also be made available for residents to view at Evesham Library.
Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, Coun Ken Pollock, said: “We recognise that there is strong local interest in this process and we will therefore endeavour to move forward with this work as quickly as possible.
“It’s a lengthy and exacting process, but all results and decisions will be shared with the public as soon as they become available.”
VECTA, a lobbying group made up of a number of Evesham businesses, has welcomed the news the traffic model is near completion.
Speaking to the Observer, Chairman Deborah Rolls said: “It’s excellent news that the traffic issues in Evesham has a resolution coming soon.
“The Tourism and Businesses in Evesham can only benefit with more investment into our infrastructure.
“With so many new houses being built, new businesses including independent, small and larger chains moving here, the requirement for a smooth flowing traffic management system has never been more needed.
“VECTA welcomes the results with anticipation, as this can only benefit both the community and commercial societies in our lovely town.”
