Is one of the most dangerous and confusing road junctions in Gloucestershire finally going to be sorted out?

Gloucester MP Richard Graham says it is time to replace the traffic lights where Southgate Street meets Trier Way near Gloucester Quays with a roundabout.

At present confusion reigns, especially for visitors to Gloucester who are unfamiliar with the city's road network. Leaving the city centre it is not possible for drivers to turn right to the Quays-instead you have to follow a complicate route which brings you back onto the city centre bound road (pictured).

And much better signage is needed for drivers heading into the city to ensure they get into the right lane-before it is too late.

Richard Graham says changes are essential to both the shared space pedestrian crossing at the 'CD Rack' in Southgate Street and the Trier Way junction on Southgate Street as key elements to reduce city centre traffic and improve air quality in Gloucester.

He said: "Work has improved the C&G roundabout and continues at the Elmbridge Court roundabout to improve traffic flows around the city perimeter: now we need to tackle the city centre."

"We can do something that is socially, economically and environmentally the right thing to do.

"Idling engines produce twice as much air pollution as a moving car, so queues at the CD Rack on Southgate Street are bad for everyone, and could be reduced by simply having a proper balance of pedestrian and vehicle priorities with a full pedestrian crossing.

"And if the current traffic lights where Southgate Street meets Trier Way were replaced by a roundabout, and drivers could turn right to Sainsbury's and the Quays, that would also improve traffic, and reduce both jams and air pollution."

City Council Cabinet member for the Environment Richard Cook, said, "the Council is interested in ways of improving environmental health in the city centre and we agree that Southgate Street traffic is an issue that needs to be resolved."

Funding support is available from Gloucester Quays, as owners Peel Outlets have confirmed that they support and would help finance the proposals for a roundabout:

Punchline hopes this issue is resolved sooner rather than later.

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

Readers' views:

Keith Wray: At last!!!

When this junction was undergoing construction, there was a temporary roundabout using cones etc. It worked a treat. I remember hoping then that they would see how well it worked and put in a permanent one.

Let's hope it happens so as to end the confusion and hold ups.