A PETITION has been launched opposing the implementation of Wiltshire Council’s Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) in Salisbury.

The “Keep Salisbury Moving” petition, founded by city resident Charles McGrath, has attracted almost 800 signatures after 10 days. 

It expresses “deep concerns” with the scheme, such as congestion on Churchill Way to access to the city centre for elderly residents. 

Mr McGrath said: “The comments left by petitioners show just how much local opposition there is to these ill-thought out and damaging plans for Salisbury. 
“From more traffic on roads already suffering from congestion, to concerns about pollution in residential areas and city centre access, Salisbury residents have delivered a damning verdict on the ETRO”.

Mr McGrath is also worried that there are fears that Wiltshire Council will not listen to the views of Salisbury residents.  

“There seems to be no recognition of how severe an impact these plans will have on our city. 

“The response last week from Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council’s transport chief, did not address our concerns and incorrectly claimed that Salisbury City Council had backed the scheme when no vote has ever been taken on it.”

Mr McGrath added: ‘This is a grassroots campaign – we do not have the institutional backing of any political party or slick lobbying organisation. 
“But we are determined that the voices of the people of Salisbury will be heard in the corridors of power in Trowbridge.  

“We are in a David versus Goliath fight for the future of our city which we, as residents of Salisbury, simply cannot afford to lose.”

One signatory criticised the plans, saying it would “pile more traffic onto the ridiculously overcrowded A36”, while Jolene Morato said “small businesses will suffer because of this”.

Steve Baldock added: “We will be in gridlock [if these plans are carried out]”.   
Fear were raised by some petitioners that elderly and disabled residents would be worst affected by these plans due to restricted vehicle access to the centre. 

The plans are not set in stone, and members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on the project throughout the 18 months of the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order.

To view the petition, go to bit.ly/3h3rrVY.