Estcourt Roundabout cycle lane trial suspended following criticism

Temporary barriers in place were part of the County Council's plan to create a cycle way, linking Gloucester and Cheltenham town centres.

Author: Isabel KimbreyPublished 17th Sep 2020
Last updated 29th Sep 2020

Gloucestershire County Council has decided to suspend the trial of a new cycle scheme, and remove the temporary barriers at Estcourt Roundabout in Gloucester.

They were originally placed there as part of the authority's ambitious plans to create a cycle way, linking Gloucester and Cheltenham town centres along the B4063.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Council secured funding to install pop-up schemes to encourage more people to walk and cycle.

However, there has been mounting criticism of the barriers at Estcourt roundabout.

The revised road layout has endured unusually high levels of traffic, diverted from the A40 to avoid roadworks at Longford Roundabout.

In response to these concerns, the authority has decided to suspend the trial - agreeing to consult later on a revised scheme that is more sympathetic to the local area.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for planning and environment, said: “We are really keen to encourage cycling and walking in the county however the timing of this trial has caused difficulties. We will look at amending the design and ask for resident and business feedback before making further changes.

“One of the key features of trial schemes is that if something doesn't work as you’d hoped, you can make changes- just as we are doing here."