Residents asked for feedback on Outlet Centre traffic proposals
Proposals aimed at managing congestion around one of Swindon’s busiest retail centres are being shared with local residents and motorists.
Published: Thursday, 20th September 2018
Swindon Borough Council is keen to hear people’s feedback on two potential schemes aimed at alleviating traffic around Rodbourne and the Designer Outlet Centre.
The Council has already created an additional lane on Kemble Drive for shoppers heading to the Designer Outlet Centre, but while discussions continue over possible improvements to the access into and out of the centre’s car parks, further proposals have been developed.
One of these proposals concerns making Rodbourne Road accessible to residents and businesses only, during periods where major events are being held at the Outlet Centre or STEAM Museum.
Another proposal includes opening the Church Place bus gate to all traffic. This would allow cars to turn off Rodbourne Road to use Bristol Street car park as an alternative to queuing for the conventional Designer Outlet Centre car park.
Cllr Maureen Penny, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and the Environment, said: “The congestion in Rodbourne is a concern for local residents and people who live in the town, which is why we are looking at things that we can do as a Council to try and improve things.
“The issue is that we have an incredibly successful shopping centre in the shape of the Designer Outlet which brings people from all over the region to our town. We need to work with the Outlet to address the car parking issues but, until a permanent solution can be found, we want to try out some changes to the road network which may bring some relief to those residents who are affected by congestion in the local area.
“It is important we get as many views as possible so I would encourage people to take part in our online survey.”
The closing date for feedback is Monday, 1 October.