Later this month, the one-way system in place on Stone High Street will be reversed on certain days of the week, depending on a random algorithm to curb abuse of the route.
At a recent meeting, residents, councillors, business owners and the police discussed options to reduce the use of the High Street as a rat-run, including the introduction of tolls or speed humps.
The new algorithm has been developed by the Stone Highways Action Group (SHAG) in response to access requirements to the High Street. The algorithm runs at 3am each day, deciding which way the one-way system should operate. Vehicles who traverse against the correct one-way flow will face fines of up to £100 per infringement, with two zones being defined along the High Street – leading to a possible £200 bill for passing through the entire length of the High Street.
Speaking to A Little Bit of Stone a spokesman for SHAG said:
“By flipping the one-way priority 180 degrees, we hope to quash the urge of motorists to see the High Street as a quick cut through. The High Street is restricted by a traffic order designed to make the High Street a welcoming place for all residents and visitors.
In 2018 a near-miss with a busker, Avril Jester, brought home the dangers of pedestrians and vehicles coming together. A van delivering novelty gifts and cards to a High Street shop shed its load outside of what was The Lounge (Soon to be Bod Stone). This wasn’t a funny incident and could have ended catastrophically for Miss Jester.”
Stone based plumbing contractors Mario and Luigi who are currently renovating a property on the High Street told A Little Bit of Stone:
“There’s not mush room for vehicles to park up and service their clients. As a result, it sometimes feels like you’re hitting your head against a brick platform when it comes to sensible decisions being made.”
High Street resident Patty Cake told A Little Bit of Stone:
“It’s going to take some getting used to; I’m used to coming out of my door and looking left and will now need to look both ways!”
Funds raised from the fines will be allocated to the Stone Highways Awards Fund Team (SHAFT) and will be distributed throughout the town.
What are your thoughts on the plans?
3 comments
Mark Dally
I smell a rat….April Fools type rat 🙂
Dave k
How about making it for deliveries only makes more sense than what (shag) and the council are trying to do, it’s all about fines and how much they can make from the public as usual
Glynn Griffiths
So if people use it as a rat run it proves that the current traffic flow around the one street that makes up the town is insufficient.