PROPOSALS of how road networks in Launceston could be improved were discussed by town and Cornwall councillors last week.

They met to give their views on suggestions by WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff, consultants to Cormac and Cornwall Council, on improving Launceston’s transport systems — some of which were not met with open arms.

Ben Smith Laing, on behalf of WSP, put forward proposals on methods of improving the transport networks and ways to ease congestion in and around the town square — along with any cost implications.

He highlighted the issues that face Launceston such as barriers like the A30, the River Kensey, hilly terrain and other historic aspects that may cause problems during larger scale development plans.

There was consensus that minor changes proposed for the Pennygillam roundabout were viable. The minor changes would include widening slip roads adjoining the roundabout to allow two lanes of traffic to enter, with white lines being used clearly to identify each lane.

This proposal would hopefully help to ease the congestion at the roundabout. But Cornwall Cllr Adam Paynter said: “How many more years will it be before it reaches over-capacity again?”

Mr Laing said: “Doing a little at a time will be much easier and can take you up until 2030, at which time plans will have to be altered as the issue of over-capacity at the roundabout is likely to come up again.”

On the issue of Pennygillam roundabout and the adjoining industrial estate, Cornwall Cllr Neil Burden said: “We all know that articulated lorries go out over the white lines, which I think is very dangerous. We need to watch what lorries do as it will cause problems further down the line.

“I also think we need to look at the possibility of putting an emergency exit through road at Pennygillam Industrial Estate as there is currently no alternative way out and turning can be difficult for large emergency vehicles like fire engines and ambulances.”

Town Cllr John Conway voiced concerns about lorries being unable to manage some areas in Launceston: “Lorries also cannot manage Exeter Street, some drivers simply can’t cope with that”

Mr Laing said: “Lorries do go across two lanes occasionally, but these types of issues, and any other concerns you have at this stage, will come out when we get deeper into the design process.”

In the second section of the presentation, regarding improvements to Launceston’s transport network, the question was asked: “Why do people drive?”

WSP listed some possible reasons:

• A high level of traffic at Newport Square

• A too narrow/lack of footway on Dutson Road

• Limited crossing over the River Kensey

• Lack of wheelchair facilities

• Lack of correct signage.

An age-old problem, which arose from the question, was the bus service in Launceston. The 223-town service only departs hourly. Town councillors were clear in their desire to see it become a more frequent service with better links to places further afield.

Shared space was also mentioned at length with the proposal for sites to have the same priority for cars, pedestrians and cyclists — the councillors agreed to this, provided that cobble stone walks not be used in the future like those in the town square.

The major routes in contention for change were Dutson Road and Newport Square. Many voiced concerns over how narrow Dutson Road was, with its high walls obstructing pedestrian vision and no proper footway.

Deputy mayor Cllr Margaret Young said: “Children walk down the side of Dutson Road to get to school. With cars speeding by it is amazing that nobody has been killed.”

Newport Square was discussed at length and was established as an area to be taken into further consultation due to the amount of issues that needed investigation such as pedestrian crossings and systems to alleviate a high volume of traffic flow.

Also discussed were proposed plans for Station Road and Ridgegrove Bridge.

The WSP team will now collate the information gathered from the meeting and draft a second amended proposal before detailed designs are eventually worked on, in conjunction with the councils.

Further consultation in a newer draft form of the proposals is likely to take place later in the year.