PROPOSED changes to the Calne High Street have been announced following its reopening to traffic last month,
Wiltshire Council provided the update to the planning committee yesterday evening, 12th March 2025.
The road re-opened to southbound traffic only, from Wood Street to Curzon Street, as part of a trial aimed at improving traffic flow and air quality in the town on Monday 17th February.
The trial will last for up to 18 months and is implemented under an experimental temporary traffic order (ETRO). During this time, Wiltshire Council gather feedback from the community and evaluate the impact of the changes.
These changes have been proposed following observations made on site while the system is in use, comments from the consultation and recommendations from the Stage 3 Road Safety Audit.
There will be an additional one-way sign at the junction with Wood Street and one disabled parking bay will be reinstated with the following restrictions - 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday 1 hour - no return within 2 hours.
Since the reopening, one recurring comment from residents is the safety of pedestrians trying to cross the High Street. There will now be a reduction in the number of 'gaps' between the barriers for crossing opportunities and the introduction of temporary tactile paving to improve safety.
Discussions are now taking place with the contractor to determine the earliest date for the works to take place.
Following feedback from residents, a spokesperson for Calne Town Council asked about directional signs but was told there are no plans to introduce directional signage at this stage.
A spokesperson for Calne Town Council said: "As it is currently a temporary arrangement, we want to limit the amount of street furniture that cannot be easily removed - the barriers for example can be lifted.
"However directional signage is absolutely something that will be considered if we are to develop a permanent scheme following the end of the trial."
The comments from the safety audit recommended the additional one-way (up arrow) sign on the entrance to High Street as a way of further reinforcing that the section can be used. - as it is a small 450mm sign that forms a “Gateway” with the one currently installed, it was agreed that it could be installed easily."
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com
