Aylesbury traffic nightmare: Roads campaigner shocked at sheer level of support for petition

Following three days of frustration for commuters last week due to a burst water main on the A41, Kevin Cox set up a petition calling for investment in the town’s transport infrastructure and improvements to rush-hour traffic.

After starting the online petition on Wednesday March 8, Mr Cox had 2,818 signatures at the time of going to press.

He said: “I expected a good response, but I was shocked at just how many people signed it and the speed it gained momentum.”

The petition runs until Wednesday April 5 and once this period has elapsed it will be considered by Bucks County Council.

The petition reads: “We the undersigned petition the council to invest in substantial improvements to the current road network around Aylesbury, and provide better traffic management facilities in case of an incident on one of the roads in and out of the town.

“The residents of Aylesbury are completely fed up with the extremely fragile road network around Aylesbury.

“The population has increased massively over the last few years, but the road network has barely changed and can no longer cope with the volume of traffic.

“Rush hour is always a nightmare, and a minor incident on any of the main roads brings the entire town grinding to a halt.

“We request that Bucks County Council puts some serious investment into improving the current road network, and formulates a plan to manage traffic effectively whenever there is an incident on any of the roads into or out of the town.

“We would like to see the idea of a bypass around Aylesbury seriously looked into once again.”

Mr Cox is in the fortunate position of being able to walk to work, however his wife does have to contend with the Aylesbury traffic.

He said: “She has to drive to Thame and sometimes it can take her 45 minutes to get out of town.

“The last six months the problem seems to have got worse.

“There are lots of things we can do – fewer traffic lights, a better diversion system, less traffic in the centre.

“I even think that they should think about expanding some roads like the A418 and make it a dual carriageway at certain points.

“There are certain pinch points such as Mandeville Road and Tring Road that they need to do something about.

“One breakdown can bring the town to a halt and it shouldn’t be like that.”

Responding to the petition, county council cabinet member Mark Shaw said: “Petitions on local issues are welcomed by the council.

“We’ll be responding to the petition in detail after it closes.”

To sign the petition visit www.democracy.buckscc.gov.uk.