Timing of bypass survey is ‘ridiculous’ during lockdown

THE timing of pedestrian count surveys in areas proposed as a potential route for the A350 bypass, has been called into question by campaigners.

As part of Wiltshire Council’s ongoing route selection process for the proposed bypass, CCTV cameras have been installed in a number of locations that are a public right of way, to ‘understand’ usage levels.

Cameras appeared last week in a number of locations including the Bowerhill picnic area next to the Kennet & Avon Canal. However, ‘Stop the Melksham Bypass’ campaigners have questioned carrying out surveys in the middle of winter and during a national lockdown.

“Surely this is the least appropriate time to measure levels of activity in either location?” questioned one campaigner. “We are in a national lockdown and the data would be all but useless.”

Another campaigner said that the timing was ‘ridiculous’ and questioned whether the council were doing the survey during lockdown to ‘get the results they want’.

In response to concerns about the timing of the surveys, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, cllr Bridget Wayman, told Melksham News, “We continue to explore options available to improve the A350 at Melksham, including the potential case for a new bypass.

“Following the conclusion of the recent public consultation exercise, where the views of residents, businesses and other stakeholders were sought regarding the scheme and the various potential route options, we continue to progress with ongoing technical reviews and analysis as we work towards identifying a preferred route option and the development of an outline business case for the project.

“A key potential benefit that may arise as a consequence of a bypass scheme would be opportunities to enhance active travel provision both as part of any bypass route itself, and along the existing A350 corridor.  To this end, and as part of the ongoing technical work, a walking, cycling and horse riding assessment is being undertaken. 

“Initial short duration survey works to inform that assessment are currently under way. The results from these will be considered alongside other available information and data.  We are aware that the survey is taking place in winter and during lockdown and will take these considerations into account. We are also aware that the use of public rights of way have increased substantially during the pandemic, as more people are using them for taking exercise.

“Survey cameras have recently been installed at a variety of key locations around Melksham to provide a snapshot of the level of use of the existing highway and public rights of way network, and as part of wider information gathering. Further such surveys may be undertaken as the scheme progresses.

“The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that the design team is as well-informed as possible to ensure that the local needs of pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians can be better understood and incorporated into the scheme development”.