A BUCKINGHAMSHIRE councillor has criticised a proposal to install a one-way system along a residential road – arguing the change will create traffic “chaos” for nearby residents.

Cllr Zia Ahmed opposes Buckinghamshire Council’s plan to turn Eaton Avenue and part of Abercromby Avenue, in High Wycombe, into a one-way system, claiming it will force people to “drive round in circles and away from the nearest main roads”.

The proposal was made during a council meeting for the Emergency Active Travel Fund, on August 14, and is part of aims to upgrade “the existing cycleway through High Wycombe to increase protection for cyclists”.

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However, Cllr Ahmed said there is not much appetite for the change among his West Wycombe residents, adding it would be better to instead enhance an existing cycle route.

Buckinghamshire Council was awarded a £514,000 grant by the Department for Transport (DfT), for a series of “temporary active travel schemes” across Buckinghamshire.

The upgrade in Wycombe involves transforming Eaton Avenue and part of Abercromby Avenue into a one-way system, according to Cllr Ahmed.

Bucks Free Press:

“The council plan to make Eaton Avenue and part of Abercromby Avenue one-way from Mill End Road to Desborough Park Road, causing chaos to residents and forcing them to drive round in circles and away from the nearest main roads,” he said.

“My point of view is that we already have an existing cycleway running from Millbrook School right into the town centre.

“Why can’t we simply upgrade and maintain this one rather than creating a new one?

“I want the people of Buckinghamshire to have the opportunity for cycling – but this creates another problem, not least more congestion at Mill End Road.

“I am not against the idea of a travel scheme because people’s health will benefit. But we will spend more money than is necessary and I am very worried about that.

“I have heard from lots of residents on social media and by email who are concerned about how this will affect routes into the town centre.”

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Cllr Ahmed said the existing cycle route, which runs from Millbrook School on Mill End Road, through Desborough Recreation Ground and Grafton Street to Desborough Park Road, and thence to Abercromby Avenue, should be improved instead of the proposed changes.

The Emergency Active Travel Fund is part of a wider set of plans to transform public highways in towns across Buckinghamshire to support more walking and cycling as people return to work and leisure activities “as lockdown restrictions gradually ease”.

Areas of focus will be Amersham, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Chalfont St Peter to Gerrards Cross, Haddenham, and later Buckingham and Marlow.

The impact will mean works to roads and foot and cycleways, junction closures, new one-way systems, and redirection of traffic.

Buckinghamshire Council has been approached for comment.

For details about the travel schemes, click here