Traffic Trouble for Tesco

"The traffic improvements proposed by Tesco for a new supermarket have hit trouble. In their present form, County engineers have made it clear that they cannot support Tesco's highway changes," writes councillor Brian Gurden.

These improvements for Brighton Hill roundabout and neighbouring roads, are based on Tesco's computer model used to test the impact of proposed changes on traffic flows.

Unfortunately some of the assumptions used to create the model are flawed. Tesco highway consultants recently discussed their proposals with County Council highway engineers when the problems were identified.

"Tesco's proposed changes for Brighton Hill roundabout would significantly increase traffic queues along Winchester Road during the evening peak," reveals councillor Brian Gurden. "This would have a knock-on effect at Winchester Road roundabout."

County highways also expressed concern over other proposed changes including those at Viables roundabout.

Tesco's highway engineers have now gone back to the drawing board to try to overcome the flaws in their "traffic improvement" plans.

The Borough Council has also instructed retail consultants to examine Tesco's revised retail study. Tesco's previous study was unsound.

You can see Tesco's plans at the Council Offices - reference BDB 75056.