Liberal Democrats welcome planned improvements to Cross Keys roundabout

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the planned improvements to the Cross Keys roundabout in Gloucester but do have concerns about the proposed layout.

They have suggested changes to the scheme, which they believe could improve traffic flow for motorists using the A38 and M5 south of Gloucester.

Liam Harries, Lib Dem spokesman in Quedgeley Severn Vale, said: "It's great to see that this project is finally getting some traction.

"For too long residents have suffered with dangerous motorway queues along the hard shoulder and long delays due to this roundabout."

Mr Harries, who uses the roundabout daily, added: "I do however have some concerns about the proposed layout.

"For traffic approaching on the A38 from the south the proposed layout will see an extra lane of traffic on the roundabout to contend with, making it more difficult to find a gap onto the roundabout."

At a public consultation meeting earlier this week, Mr Harries put his concerns to representatives of Amey Consulting who are behind the new layout.

Mr Harries proposed that as the left approach from the M5 is signalled for only the services and A38 South, this lane should not continue towards Gloucester.

This would allow one lane of traffic coming up the A38 to continue towards Gloucester freely without impacting on flow from the M5 junction.

Representatives for the scheme agreed based on the proposed layout, use of the lane continuation should only be from traffic exiting the services towards Gloucester.

Because of this the Liberal Democrats believe a small alteration to not continue the lane onto Gloucester and allow a free-flowing lane from the A38 would be an added benefit to the traffic flow.

Representatives for the scheme did not agree joining the roundabout would be more difficult from the A38 heading north citing increased spacing of flow from the M5 across more lanes likely creating more gaps and an added lane to join the roundabout.

There are two more opportunities for the public to have their say on the proposed plans for the Cross Keys improvement.

• Thursday September 27 2018 3pm to 7pm

Hardwicke Village Hall, Green Lane, Hardwicke.

• Tuesday October 2 2018 3pm to 7pm

Stonehouse Town Hall, High Street, Stonehouse.