David plans to ease traffic chaos (From Penarth Times)

David plans to ease traffic chaos

A PENARTH man reckons he's come up with a top way to curb traffic chaos in the town.

David Allen-Oliver, 67, of West Terrace, is the brains behind a new idea to make the town centre one-way - in an echo of the recent overhaul of the Esplanade.

Former Royal Engineer Mr Allen-Oliver, who is now retired, has encompassed more than ten of Penarth's busiest roads in the plan.

Traffic would be directed up Plassey Street towards the town centre, after which it could turn right into Arcot Street or Albert Road, all of which would be one-way.

Traffic returning would come down Windsor Road, away from the town centre, and could turn right into Glebe Street or into High Street.

Other elements include making Hickman Road one-way, in the direction of the Stanwell Road/Plymouth Road traffic lights and making Railway Terrace one-way, towards Windsor Road.

Mr Allen-Oliver, a committee member on the board for Penarth Youth Project, believes this would leave the flow of traffic attempting to leave the town in the morning free flowing.

Included in the idea is putting in herring bone parking in Plassey Street, Hickman Road and Glebe Street (St Fagans public house end), allowing adequate parking for the residents.

He also suggests narrowing Windsor Road, almost having a pedestrian shopping area with one-way flowing traffic.

Mr Allen-Oliver said: "I've counted 42 no entry signs and 24 one way signs, but I've been told by a council officer that these could cost £1,000 each - once you've connected the electricity to them, so we'd be talking about £66,000. I was told that was too expensive."

He said: "I just think I've come up with a better system. It's chaotic at the moment. If they can mess about with the sea front to the degree they have, they can certainly spend some money on the town."