Bath MP Ben Howlett is determined to keep pressuring the Council to keep Bath moving, and is looking into the feasibility of moving the recently installed bollard on the Paragon.
During his weekend walkabout with local Councillors traders and residents in Walcot Street, Ben reinforced the need for the Council to look at the feasibility of moving the Paragon bollard and to upgrade the pedestrian crossing to a pelican crossing.
Since the introduction of the bollard there has been a sizeable increase in congestion on George Street and the Paragon.
Traffic is now unable to move into a second lane and turn right onto Walcot Street or further down and into the lane to cross Cleveland Bridge.
When the bollard was first installed, there were also reports of drivers travelling on the wrong side of the road to get around the obstruction.
Local residents and traders have complained to Ben regarding increased air pollution levels on George Street and it’s said that the bollard is exaggerating the problem.
Ben said: “It is important steps are taken to try and reduce traffic build up in George Street and London Road. I will keep up pressure on B&NES Council to ensure frustrations such as the Paragon bollard are tackled as rapidly as possible.
“Air pollution levels in the city centre are increasing and this bollard is a fundamental cause. I am therefore joining residents and traders who want to see the removal of this bollard.
“As part of our plans before the election to improve safety at pedestrian crossings, we would also like to see the replacement of the crossing with a pelican crossing.”