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Disputed one-way system in Bridgwater to be halted

BBC The one-way system at Salmon Parade and East Quay in Bridgwater. There's a bridge over a river and no entry signs. There's a worker in a high-viz jacket. A lorry is coming towards the camera.BBC
The scheme was introduced in October 2025

A one-way system introduced in a Somerset town is to be altered after a consultation in which 72% of respondents - there were more than 1,300 responses - backed restoring two-way traffic.

Somerset Council said the change to the Celebration Mile in Bridgwater will only affect East Quay and Salmon Parade, and not the rest of the scheme.

The decision comes despite a report finding no evidence that the current scheme is causing congestion, as has been claimed by the local MP.

The changes are expected to include new pedestrian crossings to reduce the risk of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.

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Conservative group leader Diogo Rodrigues claimed his own petition calling for the road to become two way again was signed by nearly 6,000 people.

Bill Revans, the Liberal Democrat leader of Somerset Council, said: "My personal view is that this mitigation should take place on the East Quay side of the junction, in keeping with the Celebration Mile vision and the Town Deal aspirations of pedestrian priority.

"It may well be that in the future, when Bridgwater traffic is not subject to the extra pressures of Hinkley Point C construction traffic, the East Quay area could mirror the West Quay."

The Celebration Mile was designed to prioritise pedestrians and improve the route between Bridgwater railway station and the docks.

The changes are expected to include new pedestrian crossings to reduce the risk of conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.

Up to £560,000 in funding could also be used for safety measures at the Town Bridge junction.

New road layout sign in the distance. There are turn right only markings on the road. There's a traditional old Victorian style housing block on the street in front. There's a no entry sign and cones. There are tress on a pavement to the left of the image.
Local businesses previously said they wanted the changes "reversed immediately"

Ashley Fox, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater said he is "delighted with the decision" which he described as "long overdue".

He added the current system had increased congestion around Bridgwater "this one way system has caused increased congestion around Bridgwater and it's made getting into the centre of town more difficult."

"It's going to make a small but measurable difference."

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