City by-pass should be reconsidered (From Salisbury Journal)
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City by-pass should be reconsidered
12:09pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in Postbag
I WAS interested to read Peter Jenks’ letter about the by-pass (Postbag, January 17). He emphasised the point that it should be considered in its regional context, especially the traffic between the Southampton and Portsmouth docks and Bristol and the M4/M5 junction. As such it has always been a government matter that local authorities may or may not comment on depending who is in Whitehall.
A decade ago there was a plan to reduce this traffic by diverting the lorries up the M3 and A34 to Chieveley and the along the M4, roads much better suited to them. This would be achieved by “detrunking” the A36. This would be achieved by transferring it from the Highways Agency to the local authorities.
The local authorities would then be able to impose restrictions on lorry traffic, which the Highways Agency cannot legally do. The plan was based on a similar successful scheme in Surrey. I understand that the Highways Agency and all the relevant local authorities have at some time agreed to this plan, but not at the same time, which is why it is not already in place.
Does anyone know what the current status of this plan is?
ROBERT STEEL, Salisbury
I NOTE Bill Moss's response to Chris Wain (Postbag, December 31) on the by-pass problem. In Mr Moss's response he makes mention of the 'northern' route running from Petersfinger to the A303 at Bulford.
With the ever growing traffic problem through and around Salisbury and since the question of a by-pass has not been raised for some 20 years or more, should not further consideration be given.
The 'northern' route would be of benefit as the junction at Petersfinger would relieve the A36 Southampton Road and lessen the impact of the proposed Sainsbury’s store off of Bourne Way. The by-pass could continue to the Beehive but then cut back to a new junction of the A360 and New Cut Crossroads. It may be then sensible to dual the A360 to the A303.
MIKE LINCOLN, Salisbury
