IT APPEARS there will be no U-turn by Angus Council over the one-way system in Forfar’s Castle Street.
A report has been submitted to the authority’s infrastructure services committee recommending that the system is retained and investigations are carried out to ease the displaced traffic flow through the surrounding streets.
A consultation was conducted by the council in April 2010 in an attempt to establish the community view on the possibility of introducing a one-way traffic flow system in Castle Street.
Responses returned to the council backed the concept and the system was implemented in June 2011.
Since then the authority has been monitoring traffic flow, average speeds and the number of cars travelling through Castle Street, Canmore Street, Myre Road, Manor Street and Queen Street.
Observations and a consultation carried out between October and November last year have found that traffic flow has reduced through Castle Street and there is a general consensus among residents to retain the current system.
However, issues over the increased flow of traffic in Canmore Street and a loss of trade for shops on Castle Street have been raised by residents opposed to retaining the system.
Eric Lowson, director of infrastructure services, said in the report: “The results of the traffic survey indicate that the majority of displaced northbound Castle Street traffic is using Myre Road as its alternative route, with a smaller proportion using Queen Street/Canmore Street.
“Myre Road has been able to accommodate the additional traffic flow without adverse effect.”
Although the majority of respondents are in favour of retaining the scheme, the report highlights that work will have to be done to encourage a boost in trade for Castle Street and to ease traffic flow concerns in Canmore Street.
The average hourly flow of vehicles in Canmore has increased by 45, with a mean average speed of 19mph.
The majority of residents in the street (55%) have registered their opposition to the scheme.
Mr Lowson concluded: “The one-way southbound system has reduced traffic congestion on Castle Street and has generally been met with favour by the majority of respondents.
“The retention of the one-way system will allow consideration to be given to increasing on-street parking, servicing provision and/or possible future footway widening.
“These provisions may be considered to encourage use of Castle Street by shoppers and pedestrians.”
The infrastructure services committee will meet next week to consider the report.
mdalziel@dcthomson.co.uk