Motorists have been warned to be aware of some radical changes to the road system in Cheltenham.

The new road layout on Oriel Road and Imperial Square North that has just opened has been causing problems for drivers who seemed unaware of the changes.

The new layout features a new right-hand turn from the Promenade junction into Imperial Square and a two-way system along Imperial Square North, past Cheltenham Town Hall, instead of a one-way system.

The changes have been introduced to make it easier for motorists to gain entry to Regent Arcade car park.

The new traffic lanes have been marked by bollards to make the new system clear for drivers.

Punchline says that while the changes to the road system may cause some confusion for drivers initially, it is only a matter of time before everyone gets used it and the old layout is long forgotten.

In the meantime, drivers just need to be extra vigilant and show some patience and courtesy towards their fellow motorists while the changes bed in.

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk 

Readers' comments:

Simon R Roylance: I thought we were supposed to be discouraging parking in the town centre ...??? Another huge waste of taxpayers' money.

Cathy O'Donoghue: We experienced it on Saturday. As we didn't know about the changes we came down Bath Road to go to the Regent Arcade, queued for ages to pull out on to Oriel Road and then slowly, slowly to the turning for Rodney Road.

Then it took an inordinate amount to time to get out of the Regent Arcade car park because they have built a zebra crossing and give-way at the junction of Rodney Road and Oriel Road to turn right towards the town hall.

Traffic was backed up from the traffic lights out side the town hall as there are now only two lanes meaning that you couldn't pull out. We made the decision not to park at the Regent Arcade again!