Thousands call for Clevedon seafront changes to be scrapped

Thousands of people have called for a "bizarre" road scheme featuring wavy lines to be scrapped.

North Somerset Council introduced a 20mph one-way system and a 400m segregated cycle lane along The Beach in Clevedon last autumn.

The RAC criticised the scheme and said it was catering for a problem that "didn't exist".

The council said the markings were not yet finished and the scheme should make drivers slow down and improve safety.

The changes, introduced after a public consultation, aim to stop cyclists travelling along the promenade next to the road, while also offering pedestrian priority crossing points over the cycle route.

The council says its ultimate goal is for the seafront to be part of a 13-mile walking, cycling and horse riding route linking Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare.

It also says it has increased parking on nearby streets and introduced more greenery and seating.

"The short stretch of wavy line at the roadside is a design feature that creates an unconventional highway environment with the combined effect of both slowing traffic down and discouraging parking at the roadside," the council said in a statement.

"The markings are not yet complete and once the road's top surface has been applied - as shown in the image (above) - the full effect will be realised. This work will be carried out in the spring.

"Safety is a priority and a road safety audit was completed when the scheme was designed. There will also be a further one undertaken when it's completed."

But more than 6,000 people have signed a petition against the changes, with the organisers saying it will harm seafront businesses and there are "not enough" cyclists using the road to justify it.

RAC road safety spokesperson Simon Williams said: "This is one of the most bizarre new road schemes we've ever seen.

"We fear North Somerset Council is making waves for all the wrong reasons as their new wavy road markings could accidentally prove to be a road safety risk due to the confusion they create for drivers.

"This would no doubt be the very opposite of what they were trying to achieve."

Cyclist Ian Rees said the new lane would be "fantastic" for his seven-year-old daughter as it would "keep her off the road which would be a lot safer".

But he did say the route should probably be "signposted a little bit better".

Local businessman Tony Antoni said the new layout was "an accident waiting to happen".

"We're losing car spaces and all the businesses are suffering, all the way along," he added.

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