AN ONLINE petition has been launched calling for a controversial one-way system to be scrapped.
Gwersyllt West councillor Arfon Jones has set up an i-petition opposing the new traffic management system along Stansty Road, Wrexham, which comes into force on a trial basis next Thursday.
The creation of the petition follows a barrage of comments posted on the Leader website and Facebook page.
Many of the comments have criticised the trial system, saying it would cause ‘chaos’.
Cllr Jones, who on the petition described the plan as “the dumbest traffic management suggestion in a long time,” hopes taking this action will help prevent the plan progressing.
He said: “I think the changes are going to make things worse. A lot of people have said they are concerned about it. I believe it is a waste of time to do it.”
Cllr Jones said the new system would affect many motorists from his ward, even though he is not the local member for the location.
The message on the petition states: “We the undersigned call upon Wrexham County Borough Council to abandon its proposals to make Stansty Road/Stansty Bridge a one-way traffic system as the proposal will increase traffic at other bottlenecks on the northern and western sides of the town.
“There is no doubt that this proposal, if agreed, will increase congestion, fuel use and greater delays and longer commutes for a large number of road users.”
Concerns have long been expressed at the narrow nature of the Stansty Road tunnel when traffic moves in both directions and there have been several comments of support for the proposals on the Leader website.
Grosvenor councillor Steve Wilson and Stansty councillor David Bithell, whose wards both cover the tunnel area, have also expressed their initial support for the proposal.
However, they have also stated their wish for the success of the trial period to be properly scrutinised before any permanent decision is made.
A Wrexham Council spokesman said: “During the trial period, the council will monitor traffic flows and consult with residents, businesses, emergency services and other interested parties to find their level of support for the scheme and whether a permanent solution should be progressed.”
The road will be closed from Monday to make adjustments before the experiment begins on Thursday.
A widened footpath is being created, with the one-way system in favour of vehicles travelling from Rhosddu Road towards Plas Coch retail park.
Wrexham Council has dismissed claims the installation of the new footpath indicates the new system will be permanent.
The spokesman said it is only a temporary measure using scaffolding and it will be taken down at the end of the trial.
The petition can be viewed by visiting www.ipetitions.
com/petition/congestion-wrexham-town-centre/.