Traffic in Warwick High Street

Warwick High Street Warwick and Leamington MP, James Plaskitt, is launching a campaign to limit the amount of through traffic using the main High Street in Warwick town centre.

Mr Plaskitt is calling on Warwickshire County Council to submit a request for reclassification of the A429, as it passes through the town centre. Such a request has to be submitted by the local highways authority to the Department of Transport.

The MP believes that ‘A’ classification adds to congestion by drawing through traffic, and that declassification to a ‘B’ road would encourage use of the Warwick bypass. Many satellite navigation devices are programmed to set routes via major roads, and Mr Plaskitt believes this could be adding to the town’s congestion.

The Department of Transport has advised that it is happy to look at this issue, however the matter must be initiated by the local authority.

Mr Plaskitt said, “A number of residents and businesses have raised concerns with me about traffic problems in Warwick town centre. With the increasing use of SatNav systems in cars, many road users are encouraged to use the main road through Warwick as part of a long distance route, instead of taking the bypass. This campaign is needed to make our High Street safer, quieter and less polluted for residents and visitors alike, and I hope the County Council will to look urgently at this matter”.

Mr Plaskitt has spoken out against previous traffic schemes in Warwick which he felt would be unworkable and detrimental to the character of the town.

He said, “I don’t think previous plans to curb traffic volumes in the town have been viable. I accept the problem is complex. But here is one potential step the county council could take which I believe will help.”