PEOPLE living near Pitchcroft fear ‘traffic chaos’ as Worcester Show returns to the city after last month’s gridlock.
Barbourne residents have concerns about traffic after the A38 and neighbouring roads became gridlocked during last month’s Monster Truck Mayhem event.
However, Worcester City Council is working with traffic experts to ensure the roads run smoothly.
Councillor Karen Lewing said the congestion around the event was dire and there was no adequate traffic management plan or appropriate signage.
It has led Cllr Lewing to raise the issues with Worcestershire County Council ahead of the Worcester Show on Sunday, August 11.
“I do not think the truck event should have been held in the middle of Worcester,” she said.
“The traffic situation was particularly dire, with no adequate traffic management plan or appropriate signage.”
“Major roads were gridlocked, leading to secondary roads becoming congested.”
“This caused inconvenience for residents but also reduced access to emergency services.”
“One determined resident even took it upon herself to make a sign and try to direct traffic to alleviate the chaos.
“I have already raised these issues with the county council, urging them to ensure that drivers are properly directed away from residential areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“It is crucial that lessons are learned and that robust plans are put in place for future events.”
Cllr Lewing confirmed that First Worcester will increase its frequency during the Worcester Show to ensure everyone can regularly use its services on the day.
A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: “The city council is working with an expert event traffic management company and closely with Worcestershire County Council as the responsible Highways Authority to put a traffic management plan in place.
“The Worcester Show is a long-established event for the whole community, which is spread out throughout the day between 10am and 5pm.
“There will be no parking at Pitchcroft on the day of the Worcester Show (Sunday, August 11), and visitors are urged to use car parks available across the city.
“We urge people to consider using alternative travel options and arrive at the Show on foot, by bike, or by bus.
“Beryl Bikes are also offering 15 minutes and unlocking free from any journeys starting or ending at bays closest to Worcester Racecourse.”
The organiser of the Monster Truck Festival, David Bailey, blamed visitors for not listening to their pleas to use other car parks or public transport to get to the venue.
(Worcester News 5th August 2024)