Along with other local county councillors, Babergh District
Councillors, Town Councillors and Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, the
Roads and Transport Scrutiny Committee visited Sudbury to see at
first hand the issues affecting the historic core, where narrow
roads, high traffic flows, and large vehicles affect the safety and
quality of the environment.
The transport issues explored included the ‘free’ parking
provided in Sudbury (free in the sense that it does not cost to
park, however it does cost Babergh District Council to provide the
parking). The members were also able to see the possible
impacts of re-introducing the one-way system that was in place
during the Ballingdon Bridge works, which would involve traffic
queuing outside the primary school in Church Street at the busiest
times.
The government turned down the bypass in 2003, citing that
although there would be positive transport economic benefits and
relief to Sudbury, the benefits were outweighed by the adverse
environmental impacts. Before the scheme is re-submitted, the
Department for Transport advised the implementation of measures
within the town to manage and reduce the impact of high volumes,
and monitor the situation over a number of years.
The councillors concluded that the bypass is a long term project
and that medium term projects must be considered to try to relieve
the traffic problems, including charging for parking.
Press reports can be found here:
Parking charges 'essential' for bypass
http://www.eadt.co.uk/search/story.aspx?brand=EADOnline&category=News&itemid=IPED12%20Sep%202007%2021:27:07:360&tBrand=EADOnline&tCategory=search
Sudbury - Bypass debate re-ignited by traffic tour
http://www.suffolkfreepress.co.uk/news/Sudbury--Bypass-debate-reignited.3196873.jp
Sudbury bypass backed by road chiefs
http://www.eadt.co.uk/search/story.aspx?brand=EADOnline&category=News&itemid=IPED07%20Sep%202007%2000:28:37:887&tBrand=EADOnline&tCategory=search