The Free Press website breaks the news we featured way back when about one way traffic in Rhuthun/Ruthin. The newspaper site gives no specific details (as regards Rhuthun), so let me fill in the details.
Well Street is to become one way from its junction with Wynnstay Road, in an uphill direction. As a balancing move, Market Street will become one way down hill, as far as Wynnstay Road.
What does this actually do?
In the age of distancing, it enables the one way section of Well Street to have more space for pedestrians. Similarly, it allows more pedestrian space on Market Street.
What doesn't it do?
Clwyd Street cannot be treated, yet this has the narrowest footways of all, especially over the steepest part between the Tom Price memorial and Square. To convert this to one way (thus allowing greater pedestrian space) would apparently result in too much rat running.
What are the unintended consequences?
We've previously stated that we don't favour one way streets because of the increased speed that inevitably results.
Could we do better?
We surely could. Our streets are not (yet?) busy with pedestrians but when you have to avoid one, you have Hobson's choice: pass within unacceptable distance of a potentially infectred person; or step off the footway onto the carriageway and into the path of unforgiving cars. For, cars continue to rip selfishly around town without a care for anyone but themselves. When you deign to encroach into their domain (perhaps with no other choice) the reaction is anger—the motorists just keep coming. So, what we really need is to remove traffic from the town centre altogether. If not that, then the car needs to be quelled beyond doubt. No through traffic; and measures to ensure vehicles travel at a walking pace.
Two of our county councillors are on board with these proposals. A third, Huw Hilditch Roberts, of all things wants the scheme to lever out more on-street parking. Not only does this encourage more traffic in town when the funding is designed to suppress it, it flies in the face of the whole idea of the Welsh government grant funding for active travel in the first place—walking & cycling.
We have a once in a generation opportunity to make our town pedestrian friendly. Will we miss that chance? You bet we shall.
What does this actually do?
In the age of distancing, it enables the one way section of Well Street to have more space for pedestrians. Similarly, it allows more pedestrian space on Market Street.
What doesn't it do?
Clwyd Street cannot be treated, yet this has the narrowest footways of all, especially over the steepest part between the Tom Price memorial and Square. To convert this to one way (thus allowing greater pedestrian space) would apparently result in too much rat running.
What are the unintended consequences?
We've previously stated that we don't favour one way streets because of the increased speed that inevitably results.
Could we do better?
We surely could. Our streets are not (yet?) busy with pedestrians but when you have to avoid one, you have Hobson's choice: pass within unacceptable distance of a potentially infectred person; or step off the footway onto the carriageway and into the path of unforgiving cars. For, cars continue to rip selfishly around town without a care for anyone but themselves. When you deign to encroach into their domain (perhaps with no other choice) the reaction is anger—the motorists just keep coming. So, what we really need is to remove traffic from the town centre altogether. If not that, then the car needs to be quelled beyond doubt. No through traffic; and measures to ensure vehicles travel at a walking pace.
Two of our county councillors are on board with these proposals. A third, Huw Hilditch Roberts, of all things wants the scheme to lever out more on-street parking. Not only does this encourage more traffic in town when the funding is designed to suppress it, it flies in the face of the whole idea of the Welsh government grant funding for active travel in the first place—walking & cycling.
We have a once in a generation opportunity to make our town pedestrian friendly. Will we miss that chance? You bet we shall.