A 20mph zone and the closure of parts of a Suffolk town's roads to vehicles are being proposed as part of a new walking and cycling project, which has now gone out to public consultation.
Roads in the south of Woodbridge and the town centre could have 20mph speed restrictions, while physical restrictions, such as bollards, could be installed to close sections of roads to traffic, including in Bilney Road, Bullard's Lane, California and near the railway bridge on Sandy Lane.
The measures are all part of the Active Travel Woodbridge scheme, which aims to make the streets safer and encourage more people to walk and cycle around the town.
READ MORE: Suffolk: £5m boost for Woodbridge 'mini-Holland' scheme
Suffolk County Council has received £5 million from Government agency Active Travel England to improve walking and cycling facilities in the town and a couple of drop-in sessions are set to be held at Shire Hall in Woodbridge for the public to give their feedback.
As well as the 20mph zone and traffic restrictions, other measures proposed include the creation of a new crossing point and footway improvements outside St Mary's School in Burkitt Road and a new cycling route along Old Barrack Road.
READ MORE: Engagements coming up on 'mini-Holland' in Woodbridge
Woodbridge Mayor Eamonn O'Nolan has backed the proposals, saying: "The council is pleased that this project is advancing.
"This first phase contains some very interesting proposals which are targeted at several of the town’s schools.
"In addition, it introduces the long-awaited 20mph scheme which was initiated by the late Caroline Page and which the town council has always wholeheartedly supported.
READ MORE: Woodbridge news
"We are confident that these measures will enhance both safety and wellbeing in the town."
Suffolk county councillor Ruth Leach, who represents Woodbridge, said uneven surfaces made the elderly afraid to venture out, while 'oversized' vehicles in the Thoroughfare were causing pavement disruption and air pollution.
She added: "I am keen to make this project work so that after consultation with business owners and other stakeholders we can use the funding to improve other areas of Woodbridge such as the Thoroughfare and Quay Street.
"I hope that this is the first step in that direction - safer access to schools and reducing traffic volume is a priority in the areas that are being consulted on.
"I look forward to constructive feedback from residents on how we can shape the ideas put forward into something that will work locally and keep the £5 million for Woodbridge."
The drop-in sessions will be held on February 29 and March 9 between 10am and 2pm.
READ MORE: Suffolk news
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