PLANS for a controversial one-way traffic system in Rhos-on-Sea were “already decided” before residents objected during a public consultation, a councillor thinks.
Rhos-on-Sea councillor Jo Nuttall claims council officers didn’t listen to residents living on the Cayley Promenade and their concerns about traffic being rerouted through residential areas.
At a meeting at Bodlondeb, Conwy cabinet members agreed to press ahead with the waterfront project and approved a traffic regulation order allowing the change, despite objections from residents.
Residents living above the grass embankment fear that introducing a one-way system heading eastwards on the lower promenade will increase traffic on the road above, the Cayley Promenade, which will remain two lanes.
Residents believe the area will be overrun by cars, fearing an increase in pollution, noise, and potential traffic accidents.
These fears were raised during an earlier public consultation, but Cllr Nuttall said council officers had already decided to go ahead with the plans and ignored residents.
“I feel quite strongly that residents have largely been ignored by officers,” said Cllr Nuttall, regarding the previous public consultation.
“Only one drawing was consulted on, and that was the already-decided plan. It was already decided before the consultation.”
Cllr Nuttall added: “I really feel for those residents who will forever struggle to get off their driveways, forever worry about collisions outside their properties, and forever have an increase in pollution due to vehicles accelerating up the hill.”
Cabinet member for highways Cllr Goronwy Edwards responded: “I appreciate there will be certain members of the public that will feel there will be some disruption, but I looked at the plans many, many times.
“There have been many consultations; several public meetings have been held; there had been open presentations where the public could drop in, and our officers have listened carefully to the objections.”
He added: “As usual people in favour of things rarely come forward and put their names to paper, but I’m confident this will be a scheme that will benefit the whole community.”
Leader Cllr Charlie McCoubrey added: “It is clear any major change will impact negatively on some individuals and positively on others.”
Cllr Goronwy Edwards proposed the cabinet supported the plans, and this was seconded by Cllr Chris Cater before the cabinet voted in favour.
Officers informed the cabinet the traffic regulations would be regularly reviewed.
The plans also include new parking restrictions, new disabled parking bays, and new electric vehicle charging bays.
The new traffic system is part of a £14m coastal defence scheme, which will see the promenade widened and sand added to the beach.
