HEAVY traffic continues to mar one of the main roads into Colchester town centre despite the removal of a segregated cycle lane.

The troublesome cycle lane in Headgate, which caused congestion chaos after it replaced a carriageway for vehicles, was removed last Monday.

Bollards were put in place in the road, which connected Southway with Head Street in Colchester, in 2020 as part of Essex County Council’s Safer, Greener, Healthier scheme.

But extensive traffic tailbacks still reign as the cycle lane was replaced by a right-turn only lane, meaning motorists still have to compete to get into the left lane to access the town centre.

Colchester Council’s resources boss Sue Lissimore said she “insisted” Essex County Council removed the route after it became redundant amid the scrapping of other cycle lane plans in Butt Road.

She says she has now asked Essex Highways to provide a report explaining why right-turn only markings were installed.

“We were all celebrating the cycle lane’s removal and then these arrows appeared,” said Mrs Lissimore.

Gazette: The new right turn only lane at Headgate The new right turn only lane at Headgate

“It was the first I’d heard of it, I hadn’t been informed. I don’t agree with it, I think the right lane should be both straight on and right hand turn for traffic.

“However, I need to see the report as to why the decision was made so I can understand the logic.”

 

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Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell, who spent almost two years campaigning against the cycle lane, says Essex Highways has made an “idiotic” decision.

He added: “The bollards have been removed but Essex Highways has continued its stupid, deliberate congestion causing antics by making the second lane a right-turn only into St John’s Street - which very few drivers take.”

An Essex Highways spokesperson said: “Following a review of the scheme, we have removed the Headgate cycle lane and returned it to two traffic lanes. Our data showed that most vehicles use this route as a through-route and not for access.

“The changes reflect the modifications required for the next phase of the Active Travel Fund measures which will encourage drivers to take more appropriate routes.”