Traffic could be restricted in another section of the town centre if a controversial proposal goes ahead.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is looking at stopping cars driving between Monson Road [just after Blacks shop] and Mount Pleasant traffic lights at Cote Brassiere, between 9am and 6pm.
A mixed response has met the plan, which would only allow through buses, cyclists and taxis, as well as some cars requiring access, in a bid to reduce congestion.
The plan is part of a scheme, costing a reported £1.3million, and follows the semi-pedestrianising of Fiveways past Royal Victoria Place.
Cllr Ben Chapelard, leader of the council’s opposition Liberal Democrat group, said the plan has ‘merit’ but would not tackle the ‘root problem of congestion’.
‘Traffic is stopping people coming into town. Giving this part of Tunbridge Wells a facelift is the easy option. The council needs to tackle the root problem.
Since the council introduced the semi-pedestrianised stretch on upper Mount Pleasant, motorists on the adjoining residential Dudley Road have seen their movement restricted.
During the hours of 9am to 6pm, they have been forced to turn right from their one way street onto Mount Pleasant, for which they alone have access.
While the council is yet to finalise how this could affect the parallel York Road, it is thought the same system would apply.
If the authority’s Cabinet approves their ‘Public Realm Phase 2’ outline in a meeting on April 12, a design process and consultation will begin.
