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Published on Friday 17 December 2021

Following an extensive consultation process, BCP Council's Cabinet has listened to the views of local residents and decided to remove the experimental low traffic neighbourhood at Tatnam Road in Poole.

Last year, in response to the government’s emergency Active Travel Fund, BCP Council introduced an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) at Tatnam Road to support more journeys on foot and by bicycle.

During a six-month public consultation process, residents were given the opportunity to share their views on the changes and whether they should be amended, removed, or made permanent.

Taking into consideration the results of the consultation, Cabinet has now decided to permanently remove the changes. They acknowledged that while the measures did provide some benefits to those walking and cycling in the area, the majority of views gathered during the public consultation process support the removal of the low traffic neighbourhood due to the displacement of vehicle traffic to other areas.

Councillor Drew Mellor, Leader of BCP Council, said:

"This was a finely balanced decision. Initially, reliance was placed on the views of local ward councillors as representatives of the community in deciding whether the measure should be retained. While we respect their views, in this case, the vast majority of residents taking part in the consultation appeared to take a different view and Cabinet as a whole wished to respect and reflect their views more, given that this has not been identified as a primary cycle route within the wider network.

"We often face challenging decisions with strongly held opinions, particularly when we are aiming to introduce changes to encourage more sustainable journeys. It is therefore important that we bring the community with us in making the necessary changes."

The trial measures at Tatnam Road will be now be removed and the road reopened over the next few weeks.

As part of its Big Plan ambitions, BCP Council will continue to explore options for improving local travel. This includes creating an environment where the use of public transport, cycling and walking become more attractive travel choices.

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