Your comments

In favour of a bypass

In the short term, ban all traffic over 10 tons and put double yellows through Banwell. I travel all over the country in my work and I have not found a place as bad as Banwell. I don't think things will change until it affects those making the decisions. When I moved to this area 34 years ago, plans were in place for a Sandford and Banwell bypass and we are still waiting!!! Please do something and soon.
Roy, Sandford

We all like our mobility and our life style generates and is sustained largely by the movement of goods and services by vans and heavy good vehicles. It would be nice to see a less selfish attitude to the indiscriminate building of more roads in this area which undoubtedly will be required. The issue spreads far wider then Banwell. For traffic going south a new link road from the M5 to Warminster with an up grade and by passes for villages on the A36, a by pass for Salisbury to link with the M3 would alleviate much traffic pressure which is currently increasing on Mendip and the AONB. Banwell would also benefit. A final point is the cry of traders saying a bypass would reduce trade I can never understand this. As it is now no one would wish to visit stop or live in Banwell unless circumstances dictated otherwise.
TW, WSM

Something that's long overdue. I can remember being stuck in Banwell as a child and now many years later I'm a driver and it's not getting any better.
Joseph, Winscombe

Presently one of the biggest bottlenecks in the west!
John, Frome

There has been talk of a bypass for 30 years that I know of. Isn't it time something actually happened? Yak Yak rabbit rabbit bang bang etc etc
Alan, WSM

Support the bypass very much.
B. Bristol

Would very much welcome the bypass for a quicker journey.
W., Bristol

Yes to the bypass.
D., Bristol

Banwell desperately needs a bypass. Good luck.
Anne, Cheddar

A bypass is the only solution to the congestion and pollution in the Village. The recent traffic management measures have had no impact on these and have probably resulted in more standing traffic, producing more pollution.
Michael, Banwell

The solution lies in a road sign well before the village at each end, telling all large commercial vehicles over 7.5 ton (except locals) they are banned from the village. Banwell traffic will then flow as normal.
T and P Transport, Banwell

A bypass is long overdue to the long-suffering residents of Banwell and the drivers who have to drive through it.
Roger, Bristol

I work in Bristol and the A38 is my main route. Banwell is always slow and blocked. I believe the bypass is the only way round this. My other options to join the A38 are through Bleadon and Litton which is just as difficult!!
Sonia, Uphill

I am both an HGV driver and a resident of Banwell, so I feel that I have a rounded viewpoint. Firstly, most hauliers are responsible companies and, as income is only generated when the wheels are turning, they have no wish for their vehicles to be held up in jams any more than private motorists have. It's a question of practical options, so let's not knock them - we all want a workable solution.

Clearly, the traffic-calming measures are no solution. It simply means that polluting vehicles are held up for longer than before - resulting in poorer air quality for us villagers and further stressed motorists who are trying to go about their business.

Building a bypass that only bypasses Banwell merely serves to keep an unacceptable level of passing traffic through the other villages of Sandford and/or Winscombe, depending upon its route. I have long thought that a new spur from the semi-used M5 Junction 20 at Clevedon, across the moors and on up to the A38/Lulsgate would solve a number of route problems in one fell swoop. However, one contributor to this site suggests the Junction 21A option, which has often raised its head in local debate. This seems to me to be the best solution as I believe it would have the least environmental impact.

Perhaps the politicians and planners can arrange to divert some of their seemingly-endless pink tarmac budget and bring about some much-needed relief for the village. Sadly, it so often seems to me that it takes a tragedy to happen before something practical and enduring happens.
Mike, Banwell

I deliver for Parceline around Banwell, cheddar, Wedmore etc. I hate having to go near Banwell. It takes ages to get through. Sort it out!
Sean, Gloucester

The new traffic calming measures have only served to increase the congestion in the village and also there will be an increase in fumes. I live in Weston but the rest of my family live in Winscombe & Sandford - the only way I can get to see them, without a long detour is by driving through Banwell. The best of luck with the bypass - it's only about 40 years overdue!
Phillip, WSM

Appalling traffic problems which I have had to face for more years than I can remember every day. When are we going to wake up to the fact that the "environment" means the places we live in, as well as the green fields that would be used up to build a bypass. Living in Banwell must be a total nightmare. Look at the beauty of Axbridge after its bypass was built. It's a model for Banwell.
Ian, Winscombe

Done for school assignment 1990 and conclusion the same as yourselves.
Craig, WSM

Even with the traffic as bad as it is, it really is the quickest route from where I am working in W-s-M to Congresbury.
Chris, Congresbury

Driving through Banwell is an accident waiting to happen. The access from the Churchill direction at the cross roads is virtually blind. The road from Weston straight through to the Castle is very narrow, and usually involves a tussle of nerves with other drivers especially HGV and Bus drivers who force their way through.
Bruce, WSM

This problem of traffic means that I am taking 30 minutes a day waiting in queues, burning fuel and getting very stressed not to mention the impact I am having on the local village residents.
Steve, High Littelton

Please build the bypass!
Juliet, Axbridge

Over the past 15-20 years, we have frequently had to visit and work with family members living in Weston-Super-Mare. Our easiest and shortest route takes through Banwell and it is almost invariably heavily congested especially around the junction with the incoming road from Sandford. The need for a bypass has been blatantly obvious over all those years and the problems have steadily increased in line with the annual growth in road traffic in the area. It has now reached a critical level and relief is urgently needed.
Brian, Andover

Weston super mare is our nearest major shopping area, so we have to drive through Banwell, which is always a nightmare, always hold ups, and dustbin day is an absolute nightmare with long tailbacks. I have witnessed the impossible situation of a bus trying to get past a dustbin lorry. I feel really sorry for everyone who lives in Banwell and has to put up with this impossible situation daily. It must really affect the quality of their lives.
Mrs H, Westbury Sub Mendip

A bypass is very much long overdue. It definitely needs to be in place by the time they start building new houses in the old RAF Locking. How about a new link to a new motorway junction while we are about it to relieve congestion on junction 21?
Annabel, Uphill

I make regular journeys from Congresbury to Hutton where my 94 year old mother lives. I find the traffic hold ups in Banwell very difficult and tiresome. I feel very sorry for the residents of Banwell must be fed up with living with constant static traffic pouring out fumes.
Charles, Congresbury

Banwell is a lovely village, but the traffic is truly terrible. I travel through Banwell ONLY if I come from the Cheddar direction to Weston-Super-Mare. Otherwise I use another route, not that one car makes much difference, but a lot more could do the same. Best wishes for a bypass!
Brian, Midsomer Norton

Nice to have something done hasn't this being going on for 30 years now
Reg, Banwell

I have visited Banwell on many occasions last being earlier this week 19/11/04. I have relatives in Weston-Super-Mare. I think it is a lovely village and every time I have visited I have been stuck in traffic jams. Good luck with your campaign.
Jerry, Rochdale

Having grown up in the surrounding area and with many family members living locally I have watched the plans for Banwell's bypass get repeatedly shelved, whilst many other largely unnecessary traffic schemes get the green light. In this time of ever increasing traffic it is about time that this situation is resolved with a bypass before a major accident is allowed to occur.
Duncan, Northampton

I believe Banwell is a beautiful town, being slowly choked to death. This bypass is not only necessary, but absolutely essential if we are to keep Banwell alive, in the same way as Axbridge was saved all those years ago.
Natalie, Shipham

I really support the people of Banwell who want a bypass. The village needs it.
Sarah, Congresbury

I went on route through Banwell over 30yrs ago and it was terrible then. What is the hold up? Banwell desperately needs a bypass NOW!
Norah, Wallingford

The people of Banwell deserve our support. The present situation is deplorable. I appreciate that the bypass will have implications for other villages including mine but still believe it should proceed ASAP.
Donald, Upper Langford

I feel a bypass will benefit the health of the Banwell residents as well as ease the horrendous congestion
Ian, Winscombe

Banwell has been long overdue a bypass. I travel through Banwell daily to work in Wells and have yet been able to drive straight through. Part of the problem that has already been pointed out is the parking outside of the shops, and the Bell Inn. Second best to the bypass has got to be traffic lights, which at least gives everyone a guaranteed passage through the congested area. Lastly how can traffic calming measures work when most of the time the traffic is static anyway, plus the ramp by the school is high enough to take the suspension out to those who are unfamiliar to the area. Heaven help anybody who has to be rushed to Weston hospital with possible spinal injury or such like in an ambulance.
A.H., Kewstoke

Apart from the congestion which is above national average the fumes from exhaust is overwhelming and in my opinion not acceptable for the Banwell community which outweigh the traffic problem.
Jim, Axbridge

To NOT have a bypass is the height of foolishness considering the size of the road through Banwell.
Brenda, Locking

My parents live in Banwell. Every time I visit the village I am appalled by the effects of the weight of traffic on the residents. Walking through the bottleneck is quite a threatening and unnerving experience. I am amazed this situation has gone on for so long, that no one has been killed or seriously injured and that the people of Banwell remain calm and level-headed about the problem. I would have been tempted to take some form of direct action long before. You have my complete support for the only solution that makes any sense at all - a bypass.
Alan, Manchester

Banwell is a mess and has been for years. North Somerset have procrastinated for long enough. The latest scheme is a complete irrelevance. We need a bypass. It is only a matter of time before the traffic will jam solid.
Ian, Chapel Allen

Banwell is a nightmare to drive through. Many I know choose the option of a longer diversionary route, surely not good for the environment but it at least spells out the message that this situation cannot be tolerated for those that live there and those that drive. If nothing else is achieved at least make Banwell one way ...radical maybe and no doubt whatever the answer, someone somewhere won't be happy! Just keep it happy and mind your manners, next time you are stuck, because one thing is certain, this won't be sorted out quickly
Jo, Axbridge

I commute through Banwell from Cheddar to Bristol on a daily basis following the A371 from Winscombe and then turning right by the library (I think this is Church Street) and out to the M5 via West Rolston Road and the A370. I do this because there is no viable alternative. My average journey time (off-peak) is 45-50 minutes; going by public transport would take a minimum of 2¾ hours. Because of the volume of traffic, ridiculously low speed limit on the A38 and long detour going via junction 22 of the M5 adds nearly 30 minutes to my journey. I do not like driving through Banwell as it is too narrow for modern traffic. I have heard that the first proposal for a bypass was made in the 1930s - and it doesn't take a genius to realise there has been exponential growth in road traffic since then. Particularly if the bypass were linked to a new junction on the M5 this would relieve the overcapacity junction 21, roads in the centre of Weston-super-Mare, the unclassified roads leading to the A370, traffic on the A38 to junction 22 (including through several villages).
Chris, Cheddar

Banwell's problem will only get worse as traffic increases in our ever growing region. Ten years ago a bypass was needed, all the surveys and traffic calming measures have not helped one bit, the latest lot being an absolute joke. Come on all you powers that be, let's help the people of Banwell, the motorists, the transport industry and the environment and get this bypass built.
R.F, Locking

Please get on with it!!
Allan, Banwell

I am fed up of the congestion which damages local property, create aggravation for Banwellians and is a health hazard to those who live in, what could be, a beautiful village.
Neil, Banwell

A bypass is essential to the well being of the community
H, BS29

Let Sanity Prevail - almost half century we have waited for our erstwhile councillors to use a modicum of commonsense - the longer we have to wait for a bypass the more it will cost, or perhaps the powers that be would just like to see the village crumble under the weight of traffic it has borne for all the years.
M.A., Banwell

A bypass is a must
M.A., Banwell

I frequently travel through Banwell and am surprised that the village does not already have a bypass. I am really surprised that it is a government recommended HGV route. The traffic through the village is forever blocked not just by HGVs but the sheer number of vehicles passing through. Banwell is, unfortunately for them one of only 3 routes out of Weston Super Mare, life in the village cannot be very comfortable. I recognise some of the difficulties in by-passing Banwell but am sure that any downside will be far outweighed by improvement in traffic flows, safety and general quality of life for the residents of Banwell. I therefore whole heartedly support a by-pass for Banwell.
G.W., WSM

I travel through Banwell 4 times a day (2 returns trips) taking my 5 year son to Winscombe Primary School. When there is a coach or lorry trying to get up/down the hill (or both at the same time) you've got no chance!! A bypass is needed NOW!
Steve, Locking

Travelling through Banwell to WSM is a nightmare with heavy congestion and queues at most times of the day. Either ban HGVs or build the bypass asap.
D.A., Shipham

Traffic cannot travel quickly through Banwell because of the congestion, so what was the point of putting in the oversized speed humps, which damage any car that is close to the ground. How many exhaust pipes will get ripped off or sumps damaged because of the humps being too high! You can already see the scrape marks on the bumps. Also how long before there is an accident where the bumps will deflect the cars into steering into each other or where some drivers try to drive in between them in the middle of the road!
S.D., Worle

I don't use this road often, but when I do, WHAT A NIGHTMARE!! Please, please someone build a bypass1
Kelly, WSM

I am incensed by the stupidity of restricting the width of the road at a place where it is already too narrow for the traffic of even 10 years ago, and by putting "speed humps" of such a height that the road surface is damaged by the underside of cars. Motorists whose cars are damaged by these useless humps will be fully justified in exacting punitive damages from the authorities. These humps are also dangerous to cyclists and motor cyclists, and are a potential hazard to passengers in cars who are jarred excessively at even very low speeds. It is obvious that the only satisfactory solution is to separate the traffic from the village by a by-pass. It must not be forgotten (as it usually seems to be) that we are all motorists, since there is no other convenient mode of transport available for everyday use. Also don't forget that motorists are also voters who take a dim view of the authorities who try to blame them for the authorities feeble attempts to show they are doing something (anything!) provided it is quick and does not cost too much.
T.K., Newbury

This bypass is well overdue for everybody not just the locals
Dennis, WSM

A good opportunity for North Somerset Council to demonstrate they do listen to their public, and have the ability to get things done!
Brian, Winscombe

Either by-pass Banwell or burn it down and widen the road.
Carl, WSM

Anything to get around this 'Blot on the landscape.'
Alan, WSM

I am a nurse working in the local hospice in Weston-super-Mare and have to travel to Banwell and Sandford on a regular basis and find the road congestion a real problem at any time of the day. It creates a great deal of additional travelling time (less time with the patients) and I am very concerned what the effects of the pollution in these narrow streets are having on the residents' health.
Carol, Clevedon

They've installed traffic calming on the slowest road in the South West. Lunacy. Only a bypass will do.
Roger, Winscombe

One of the problems with so much traffic through Banwell has been an increase in respiratory illness. This aspect can only have been exacerbated by slowing down the traffic and thus causing a higher concentration of pollutants.
Sue, Winscombe

I travel to Banwell often to visit my Aunt and Uncle. I consider the pathways currently not for walking. There's a real danger of accidents and action should be taken without delay.
Liam, Solihull

I've been using the A368 / A370 for a year now, to commute from Bath to Weston General Hospital. (Sorry, I'm one of the cars clogging up the place!) Over the past year the increase in traffic has been obvious, and I feel so sorry for anyone living in your pretty village which is utterly blighted by the current situation. So many times the traffic grinds to a halt because enormous lorries carrying ridiculous loads are trying to squeeze past each other at the infamous bottleneck heading up the hill.

It must be immensely frustrating for anyone actually living in the village. I was appalled to find out this road is actually a RECOMMENDED ROUTE for heavy goods vehicles - I personally think that they should be banned from using the entire stretch of road from Bath to Banwell. Not infrequently you can round a corner only to be confronted by an HGV steaming towards you with one set of wheels well across the centreline.

Whilst I am guilty of contributing to the situation by using the road, and realise that many lorries use the road legitimately as there is no other option, the village is ruined by the roads passing through. It is a bottleneck for the entire area, and whilst I am sure the government would rather spend its millions on 2 miles of extra lane for the M5, a bypass would ease the lives of the many motorists that use the road, and more importantly restore the quality of life to the residents of this pleasant village. Good luck, don't give up the fight.
Dr F, Bath

Hurry up!!!
Paul, Banwell
I have to travel this route on the way and the way home from work and it is a complete nightmare. Hurry up with the bypass!
Natalie, Worle

A bypass has been needed for many years.
Martin, WSM

How difficult would it be to impose a weight restriction?
Paul, WSM

It is crystal clear Banwell urgently needs a bypass. The comments from residents in Sandford (where I lived for 30 years), Winscombe and Churchill are the perfect example of NOT IN MY BACKYARD. All three villages are far far easier to drive through than Banwell which must be given priority. The other important point is that the bottleneck in Banwell would be eased if heavy lorries were banned. To designate it an HGV route is simply a nonsense. And the latest traffic calming measures serve absolutely no useful purpose. They are another indication that North Somerset's traffic policies are thought up by people who have no understanding of traffic at all.
Patrick, Winscombe

I first heard the subject of a bypass for Banwell mentioned when serving as an Airforce Apprentice at RAF Locking in 1958 - it is long overdue.
Terry, Worle

A bypass is the only solution to a problem that is getting worse by the day, for the residents of Banwell the toxicity of the constant exhaust is a serious concern especially for the children attending the infants school. For the residents of the adjoining villages the journey into Weston super Mare is a nightmare, especially in summer when the coaches try to pass each other.
Jacquie, Winscombe

I've been driving through Banwell to get to work for the past 5 years. I've actually changed my working hours so I can start earlier and leave earlier each day so I can get through Banwell with the minimum of fuss and don't hit the chaos of rush hour through Banwell.
Kerry, Highbridge

My parents lived in Banwell for many years and this has been an ongoing problem with no solution being offered. An immediate solution to ease the problem would be to ban parking outside the shops (except for deliveries) as there is an adequate car park very near. I give my full support to a bypass for Banwell which could be linked to the A370 and the A38.
Paul, Winscombe

My family previously lived at Knightcott Rd, Banwell from 1977 to 2002 and the traffic situation in Banwell has been witnessed by my self to have grown from bad to chaotic. About time Banwell solved its problem. Churchill and Sanford's so called problem is miniscule by comparison, hence should not be seen to hold up the plan for the Banwell bypass. Good Luck in the campaign and thank you for your devotion towards the majority of villagers wishes.
Amrat, Banwell

The "AA Book Of British Villages" gives Banwell a glowing report with reference to a serene picture of narrow winding streets lined with small cottages surrounding the church "The Cathedral Of The Mendips". How different is reality with the narrow winding streets a nightmare of heavy traffic with the associated noise and fumes. For so long the Highway Authorities have completely ignored the problems no doubt hoping that they would somehow disappear with time. Wake up North Somerset Council and get something moving so that Banwell can be restored to its former glory, and commuters and commercial traffic have a through route designed to cope with 21st Century traffic volumes.
Len, WSM

Make Banwell safe and quiet again...put a bypass in for everyone's sake.
David, Axbridge

I can't even get through on my cycle - whatever next
Anne, WSM

As a local resident of many years standing, the need for a bypass for Banwell was acknowledged as long ago as the 1950's if not earlier. The present situation is the result of political procrastination. The need for a bypass for Banwell has never been stronger, it should be built now - if the money is not there it should be found as a matter of priority.
John, WSM

Banwell and the surrounding villages deserve a bypass. When the villages were built, they would never have imagined the sort of traffic that would pass through the village today and we all know that cars were a real luxury in those days. Banwell is a nice place and the pollution from the traffic is choking the place. I think and know that a bypass is the only solution for Banwell. Well done Banwell for sticking up for yourselves.
Lorraine, WSM

I drive through the village for work and cannot understand why there should be any sensible reason not to construct a bypass.
David, WSM

We travel from Bristol to Winscombe via Weston-Super-Mare to visit parents and this causes many delays especially during the summer.
Anne, Bristol

Good luck in your fight against the juggernauts
Nick, London

Banning HGVs would be a help. As it is I dread driving through the village. I feel every sympathy for the residents.
J.O., Cheddar

I am becoming a regular user of this road, which only confirms the need for a bypass. Our times have changed as has the traffic congestion but not the road structure which has not kept up with this situation, hence the problem. I support a bypass but consultation and consideration of the needs of connecting villages should be made.
Clive, WSM

Not many councils in other counties would be so negligent over an issue which under Health and Safety is unacceptable
Judy, Banwell

Our little shop is the heart of the community, but some of the villagers are afraid to come to it, as the road is so dangerous and the pavement is so very narrow, that the traffic often has to mount the pavement to pass each other. The lorries mirrors are over the pavement. so you have to dodge the lorries. The mothers with prams and young children are in constant fear for their children. The road being so narrow causes traffic jams so the fumes are inescapable for pedestrians. It feels like the village is stuck in the middle of a motorway. The properties some of which are over 400 years old are being shaken to pieces; I know I'm in one. This road was only meant to take horse and carts, please stop the huge lorries if nothing else. Let the village breathe again.
Jean, Banwell News, Banwell

I travel this road about twice a month on my way to see my son in Weston. Banwell is a village crying out for a bypass and also double yellow lines outside the shops as there is a car park right behind them. I feel so sorry for the folk who have to live with the traffic mess. GOOD LUCK.
M.N.,Banes

I think that your village is very beautiful, I travel from Nottingham to the Mendips regularly to cave with my club. I try to avoid your village as much as poss due to traffic. Which is a shame as I would like to stop and admire your surroundings as I also live in a beautiful village. We have had a bypass for many years, I remember as a child not being able to cross the road for lorries and speeding traffic, now I can! I hope that some of the Banwell children will also have this memory when they reach my age. Good luck! I look forward to my visit!
Tina, Nottingham

This is the route I use to travel to Bath Spa University College during the week, where I am a full time student. The time my journey takes depends entirely on how congested Banwell is, as it is the only area I get regularly held up by large vehicles passing through. I allow an hour and a half for travelling, though if Banwell is clear, I usually arrive within 45 minutes from home. However, my journey has taken up to 1 hour 35 minutes, 25 minutes of this was crawling towards and through the village. I therefore waste 1 hour a day just in case there is traffic in Banwell.
Sharon, WSM

Takes ages to get to Weston using this road.
Nicola, Frome

Having attended a meeting in Sandford Village Hall about a bypass for Banwell it was sad to hear so many negative comments - such as surrounding villages suffering (we do already). Banwell's streets are much too narrow anyway so what's the point of traffic calming for stationary traffic! Other villages would benefit from traffic calming (Sandford for instance) and then happily linking up with a Banwell bypass. Good luck. Thanks for giving locals and residents the opportunity to air their views.
Mrs S, Sandford

Have just seen a road sign as I approached Banwell from Wolvershill "Long delays - Find an alternative route". The only suitable alternative route would be a bypass. Come on. Build it now! Wondered why Nye Road (road to Puxton) had got so busy. Reading the comments it seems that people are avoiding the jams in Banwell by driving this route. Madness - it's a single track road at best with dangerous bends and many pot holes. Build the bypass now and make the "jam" problems go away.
Mr S, Sandford

This Village needs a bypass or perhaps traffic Lights? I sometimes travel through Banwell 8 or 9 times a month from Shepton Mallet. Sorry for the ones who do it every day.
Mark, Shepton Mallet

As an HGV driver for a company based in Sandford I use Banwell on a daily basis both with my car and lorry. A bypass is the answer to the problem but until then stop all parking outside the shops as there is a large car park which people seem to lazy to use. Parking opposite the Bell inn is another problem area as it forces traffic into the middle of the road at the junction. Banning HGVs is not the answer: car drivers that give way instead of charging on through is. As for the traffic calming scheme what a waste of money, it does not go fast enough to need slowing. I wonder how long these will last before they are back to take them away?
Tim, Locking

Surely the economic and social costs of the traffic delays/pollution/safety etc must justify bypassing Banwell asap.
Peter, Winscombe

The latest actions by North Somerset Council to alleviate the problem by installing speed humps to slow down stationery traffic is laughable.
L.S., WSM

We have a real problem as there is no one in either North Somerset Council or the Town Council with the backbone or experience to tackle the problem. When you see the mess the two councils have made in traffic re-arrangements in the town, no wonder they don't understand the problems at Banwell and waste Ratepayer's money installing speed humps to slow down stationery traffic. For goodness sake tell the Councils to get a grip and do something sensible instead of throwing up their hands and repeatedly saying "There's nothing we can do"
B.S. WSM

We drive through Banwell at least twice a week mainly taking our grandson to his trampoline class in Cheddar. We find that the journey through the village because of traffic is an absolute nightmare. How the residents have put up with this situation for so long is beyond me. I wish you every success in your campaign.
B.W., Worle

Traffic lights would be most welcome as would parking restrictions outside the shop/butchery during the day.
Keith, Axbridge

Too many big lorries going through i.e. 42 and 32 ton types plus motorway heavy lorries roads not built for this type of traffic.
G.B., Winscombe

Banwell needs a bypass NOW. They have waited too long for one. The volume of traffic and the pollution are dreadful. Good Luck Banwell
Colin, Winscombe

Whilst it isn't a route I use often, every time I have used it in the last 10 years of living in this area I've felt SO sorry for the people who have to put up with the appalling noise, dirt and menace from the traffic. This village, along with Barrow Gurney, must be the most needy for a bypass in the whole of the Somerset area. I would be GLAD to think of the tax I pay going towards such projects.
Viv, Bristol

Banwell really needs this bypass! We are forever getting caught in traffic to and from school because of the massive vehicles trying to push their way through!
Amy, Hutton

Ten years ago, when we first moved to this area, I felt this village needed a bypass. The situation has hardly improved since then.
Steve, Bristol

Maybe it would help if there was a weight restriction to stop all the big lorries
Geraldine, WSM

As a resident of Banwell I do not support the local shops as I feel I am risking my life walking on the narrow pavement with the heavy lorries thundering by. The air quality in Banwell is very bad too.
M.S., Banwell

Driving through Banwell is terrible especially from Winscombe. It takes ages and means people try to push their way through.
Jan, Axbridge

I think the traffic congestion ion Banwell is appalling. There are far too many lorries and far too many cars. The situation has been made worse by the traffic flow. 4 way traffic lights should have been installed and a by-pass built many years ago. The situation will only get worse if nothing is done. A by-pass is vital.
Sue, Congresbury

A by-pass is long overdue. With ever increasing numbers of vehicles on the road, Banwell is becoming more and more grid-locked. Emergency vehicles are severely hampered. Banwell's roads were not built for this heavy traffic and buildings are being structurally damaged by the constant pounding of heavy goods vehicles.
Malcolm, Congresbury

Recently introduced speed bumps may well reduce the speed of through traffic but does little if anything to eliminate the congestion problem. In fact it probably now takes longer for the congestion to sort itself out. These speed bumps will eventually be found to have been a serious waste of public money once the bypass has been built as it must be. It can't take much longer for good common sense to prevail in the minds of the highway authorities.
H, Uphill

Build bypass for HGV drivers and buses,coachs
Dan, WSM

We lived in the area and our children attended Banwell School. It is a great village which would really benefit from a bypass
Myriam, Switzerland

My heartfelt thanks must go to our local authority whose tinkering with Banwell's traffic problems have made an extremely bad situation considerably worse. For many years the people of Banwell have had to cope with a growing problem of chaotic traffic movements through the village and have also had to put up with representation from councillors too pathetic to decide on a remedy. These councillors do not have to live with the daily congestion, pollution, dirt, angry drivers, massive lorries and damage to their buildings, they just waste their or should I say our money on some sticking plaster solution.

I am nether an advocate of a bypass or the alternative of a proper traffic management solution but one or the other needs to be decided on and put into place so that the community of Banwell can put aside this blight on their village.

What seems to happen in the Town Hall is that a new set of councillors is elected and the Banwell problem comes up. So the new governing body decides to tinker with a priority system or it may commission a study or put in some traffic calming measures, or protect the rout of a bypass in the local structure plan so that they can say look we have done something about the problem. The truth is they do the equivalent of nothing and they know very well that the solution they have chosen for this term is as useless as the last and they play this stupid political game to avoid making the hard decisions.
This has been going on for thirty years and now we have the next bunch of self important councillors unable to take the difficult route and passing the problem to the next elected body to pass on. Very clever but I have to ask is there any point in electing people of any political persuasion who do nothing to alleviate the problems people are facing? Maybe why there is such political apathy from the electorate.

Should Banwell elect a Mayor and impose a congestion zone? The village could collect money from the people abusing the village and do something about it ourselves. If yes I am happy to put my name forward. Our building is regularly hit, the pollution we have to put up with is appalling and the noise is beyond a joke. We erected steel bollards to stop lorries demolishing our wall for the third time so they demolished the bollards instead.
Robert, Banwell

Has the road narrowing erected in the narrows been designed with the conservation area in mind? In an area where we cannot put in double glazing or make changes to the appearance of our buildings the council come along with 5 tatty sleepers painted red and white a few bits of reflective plastic fitted at jaunty angles and a bit of orange fence. Fits in well!
Robert, Banwell

Whilst I do not live here I do visit regularly as my family is nearby. The bypass has been needed for years and is even more so now the traffic volumes have increased
Julie, Hope Valley

Have been driving thro Banwell for 30 years, but this latest traffic plan to speed things up is chaotic. Suggest traffic lights until bypass completed and no parking on main road thro village.
RDF Worle

I consider the current 'measures' totally inadequate, useless, and they in no way help to resolve the problem and therefore are a complete and utter waste of public funds.
Mr L., Locking Castle

I used to be stationed at RAF Locking back in the 60s and can remember then that there was a need for a bypass around Banwell. Forty years on and the traffic on our roads has increased not only in volume but in size! Banwell urgently needs a bypass NOW!
Don, WSM

I can't understand what the authorities can't see that is staring everyone else in the face. Banwell needs a bypass. It is a major bottleneck between WSM and the rest of the Mendips. Can Banwell at least have a 7.5 tonne weight limit to get rid of the HGVs?
Paul, WSM

I will hopefully be buying a property in Banwell and it would be a much nicer place if all the traffic was gone!
Simon, Bedminster

Work in Churchill, but live in Weston, if I try an alternate route, i.e. the A370 have to queue for 30 mins to get onto A370, going through Banwell sometimes a delay of 30 minutes, so frustrating!!!
Christine, WSM

How can it take so long for a bypass to be built? Why is it taking so long? There is no point in traffic calming systems when the traffic is usually at a standstill anyway.
Mrs F , Locking

I am a HGV class 2 driver and I certainly don't like going through Banwell because it too tight and narrow and when you get cars not leaving enough room to get past you can easily block the road for others. I would rather use a bypass but as it is now I can't go any other way.
Paul, Melksham

I think that if people were to stop parking outside the shops and use the large car park provided it would ease the congestion. I would like to support the Banwell bypass and would like to comment on the traffic calming measures, they are crap and don't work, they just seem to add to the congestion. A bypass is the only solution
Roger WSM

On Tuesday 7th Oct 2004, at around 9:45am, I needed to drive through Banwell into W-S-M for my weekly shopping at the supermarket. At that time on that day it took me over 45mins to pass through Banwell due to a HGV carrying some kind of port-a-cab getting stuck, this vehicle was at the time being escorted by the police. BYPASS BANWELL. It seems that whenever a HGV is in Banwell the traffic comes to a standstill. BYPASS BANWELL!
Damian, Cheddar

Banwell has always been a bottleneck as it is one of the few exit roads for Weston-super-Mare. A bypass is badly needed along with another motorway junction which was proposed many years ago.
Roger WSM

At present the situation through Banwell is not only dangerous to any pedestrian but a total health hazard to both children and adults. If they are promoting stopping smoking in public, then why are they allowing this dreadful pollution in Banwell?
Ivor, Banwell

Glad someone is standing up to stupidity! Banwell needs a bypass 20 years ago!
Paul, Westbury-sub-Mendip

Please please please can we have a bypass before our village crumbles completely!
Nikki, Banwell

The quality of life of residents and travellers will be greatly enhanced. You need look no further than Axbridge to see the tremendous benefits a bypass will bring.
Alan, Axbridge

Driving through Banwell is like driving through hell!
Diana, Winscombe

Banwell should have had a bypass many years ago.
Pauline, BS24

Once the bypass is built, people will find it hard to believe that this pretty, quiet village used to be buried in heavy traffic.
R.T, Berlin

The present situation is blatantly unacceptable and, to occasional visitors to this community like myself, it is frankly bizarre that it goes on and on. The traffic is far too heavy for Banwell's tiny main road, and pedestrians who are less than fully alert are at conspicuous risk. Shame on those within whose gift it is to make this place a safer place for families to live. I wonder whether they are waiting for the situation to deteriorate before committing to a decision to spend money on a bypass. But we shouldn't have to wait for a few schoolkids to get run over by a juggernaut before an obvious decision like this can be made.
Nicholas, London N4

I travel daily to work in Weston. I am a nurse and I witness constant stress involved in negotiating travel through Banwell: so many near accidents. The badly parked vehicles outside shops not using nearby car park. I have been "pinned" against the wall unable to get up Chapel Hill, my right of way, traffic not giving way! The recently placed "humps" afford no improvement just untold damage to cars. Safety! The zebra crossing is hidden as the surge of heavy traffic passes that is an accident waiting to happen! I have seen buses coming in both directions at the same time & heavy vehicles just plainly stuck & someone has to give way back down the line. I have been 30- 45 minutes getting through when is builds up. It has become a dreaded place to travel through. The alternative for me of route is extra mileage; it is becoming a need for safety!
Jean, Axbridge

As regular visitors to this village we have always been astounded by the volume of traffic Banwell has to tolerate and would never consider allowing our children to walk to the shops unsupervised. In fact we doubt we would walk to the shops here except in dire emergency, we would shop elsewhere, which does nothing to help the local economy of this lovely place.
Sue, Saxmundham, Suffolk

It's about time that North Somerset Council got their finger out and built the bypass, not the short sited proposal a few years ago, to bypass Banwell and move the problem a few miles up the road to Sandford, Winscombe and Churchill. What is needed is a bypass to run from Locking to the A38, and let all the local villages have a bit of peace and quiet. Good luck.
Gordon, Winscombe

We recently took a detour through Banwell to see the 'picturesque' village; we were appalled to see the amount of heavy traffic thundering through what we expected to be a quiet and tranquil place. I feel sorry for the people who have to live there, especially those with children who have to negotiate narrow unprotected pavements.
Maggie, Bristol

I visit this wonderful village regularly and think it absolutely criminal that heavy traffic, lorries etc are still going through and endangering people's lives and well-being. Banwell Bypass is essential.
Shirley, Co. Durham

Banwell can't go on like this! It is bad enough that Bristol is congested, but for a rural village to be blighted in this way is just madness. The very best of luck with your petition - and with the bypass.
Jan, Bristol

I travel through Banwell quite often and find it rather frustrating; there should have been a bypass years ago. Good luck with your petition.
Mr L., Cheddar

There is enough general traffic through Banwell let alone the heavy goods vehicles
N.L., WSM

Give Banwell a break!
Alan, Wedmore

I visit a friend who lives in Banwell and I've seen for myself how bad the traffic is.
Renee, Bristol

We use the road through Banwell on a regular basis. Not only is the road inadequate for the volume of traffic, which causes long delays, but also there are road safety issues which are not being addressed by the current roadworks. In addition the needs of residents must be addressed.
Denise, Nottingham

Sick and tired of the long queues, particularly when coming from Weston. Can easily tack another 20 minutes to any journey home. Must be a nightmare for the people living on the route. Congestion has become worse since the narrowing of the road with cones. Building a bypass would make the village a quaint and picturesque place.
Mr A, Winscombe

I came across many Banwell-type problems when writing on transport and environmental matters for The Guardian and later when producing television documentaries on traffic and road problems. My conclusion - traffic kills ancient villages and towns. The only answer is a bypass and I can produce masses of examples. Certainly planning law 1B will apply - a town shall expand unto its bypass - but so what? The stupid humps have achieved nothing on a street where 40 tonne lorries have their own traffic calming effects. A complete ban on parking in the village centre is the next inevitable step but what effect will that have on the shops? Let Banwell live again. Bypass it.
Malcolm, Banwell

It's a nightmare. It just took me 3/4 of an hour to get through because of traffic.
Emma, WSM

Banwell has needed a relief road for the last fifty years and a number of schemes have been put forward including ripping the middle out of the village to widen West Street. The latest plan is nothing but an excuse to build houses. What is needed is a relief road that also serves Sandford, Churchill and Winscombe. A bypass that serves just Banwell would be a waste of money.
Geoff, Banwell

A bypass is a "must have".
Nick, WSM

Weight limit through the village should be introduced as an interim measure and at low cost prior to any bypass.
Chris, Upper Weare

As a frequent visitor to my family who live in Banwell, I fully support the local bypass proposal. Local village life in Banwell is continually disrupted and put at risk by the traffic levels that pass through. As a father of a young child, I am also particularly worried when pushing a pram through the main village street, as traffic levels make this a dangerous activity. I urge North Somerset Council to submit a bid for a local bypass around Banwell as defined by the second deposit Local Plan 2004.
Steven, Reading

It's about time we had a bypass. Lorries shouldn't be allowed through our tiny village, the recent traffic calming humps are a joke! What is the point when the traffic is always at a standstill anyway due to the HGVs squeezing their way through?
Chris, Banwell

Having lived in the area for nearly 20 years, I believe a bypass would be a good idea!! Otherwise traffic lights might help.
Lou, Bristol

Yes it's a good Idea. The village would be lovely if it was urbanized.
Robert, WSM

I often used to pass through Banwell on my way to work in Bristol. The traffic was bad so I often "bypassed" by means of the back rod to the A370 which is quite hazardous. Having recently retired I find traffic is just as bad during the day.
Anthony, Axbridge

A bypass is needed now, not in 20years time. Half-baked dangerous schemes causing misery to residents and motorists alike.
L, WSM

I passed through your village on 3 occasions whilst holidaying in Weston this week. I have never seen such congestion, and believe it is totally wrong that vehicles are having to mount the pavements in order to pass each other. While accidents are less likely when traffic is moving so slowly, it would still be a grave concern if I was resident in your village.
David, Newcastle upon Tyne

I understand from farmers/landowners that a bypass for Banwell has been discussed since 1947! The so-called traffic calming measures now carried out are a disgrace on an A road. Just get on with it! I often go to Boulters for spares or travel to Weston to visit relatives and Banwell is in the way in my trip!
Chris, Winford

I have been travelling through Banwell for many years mainly a route to work & I must say that it takes at least half an hour extra on my journey each way. As this is a main road through to several main junctions I cannot believe through the years that the residents of Banwell have put up with it. If they think that a bypass is going to ruin their countryside well think how fast the houses in Weston & Worle are being built & before long it will be joined to Banwell & then they will definitely need a bypass. This has to be built the sooner the better.
Jane, WSM

To provide a strategy which dissuades drivers from driving through Banwell is an insult, not only to the residents of Banwell, but also to others like myself who have limited options (I have children at Churchill School). I have never encountered such aggressive behaviour by drivers on the roads, as displayed by those who are regularly trapped in the centre of Banwell. Commuters recklessly use the residential streets as short cuts, which must put pedestrians at great risk (not to mention the anger of others drivers who have waited patiently for yet another blockage of the main road). I understand that the health of the younger population of Banwell is also at risk (due to exhaust fumes). Placed in a similar position, I would not hesitate to move away from this danger. Surely a bypass would guarantee a safe future for the longevity of this pretty village and generations to come.
Jennifer, Hutton

I have travelled through Banwell to Weston-Super-Mare at least fortnightly over the past seven years; the congestion at Banwell has become worse and potentially extremely dangerous. Large container lorries and school buses still try to manoeuvre the junction at East Street and the narrow road through the village. Those living on this road must have no quality of life - just constant noise and fumes. A bypass is long overdue!
Josephine, Ubley

Frequent traveller to Banwell. much frustrated by traffic congestion in the narrows
Allan, Chepstow

Far too much traffic for such a quaint village.
E.R., Woodville, Derbyshire

How any sane person can not see that the bottle neck that is Banwell is long overdue for a bypass beggars belief.
T.S., Saltash, Cornwall

Very welcome. Bleadon was bypassed in the 1930's!!
Jean, Bleadon

My husband is a taxi driver in Weston and commutes daily. We both have our families in Weston and my husband was born and raised in Worle next to Weston. This is his only reasonable route to Weston and it holds him up on average 15 minutes per journey. We both fully support a bypass and would use it but we would still use the local shops.
Michelle, Bath

My support for a bypass is dependent on the precise route. Living on Winscombe Hill which is used as an informal bypass around Winscombe I would want to be sure that a Banwell by pass was not going to dump more traffic into Winscombe. The historic plan for the route for the by pass which would take traffic from north of Banwell to the A38 just east of Sidcot would in my view be best. Incidentally I am secretary of the Church Road and Winscombe Hill Road Safety group which has been campaigning for traffic calming on our roads for six years so far without success
Paul, Winscombe

Banwell is a nightmare to get through at most times of the day. We need a bypass.
Dean, Hutton

Let's just get on with it and bin the procrastination!
B.A., Banwell

My family use your village to get to school, work and access for leisure. Although perhaps necessary for safety reasons, the latest round of barrier installations and ramps have made your village ugly. Good luck in your endeavours to get a bypass and restore Banwell to its former glory.
Julie, Hutton

The continuous damage created by the excessive volume of traffic, with no control over the weight and size of the vehicles, is a visual and structural disaster.
P.P., London SW17

There's too much congestion in the centre of Banwell.
Jane, Shipham

Good luck with the campaign. The situation in Banwell is becoming a health hazard - one of the reasons that we moved away!
Debbie, Bream

Having spent most of my working life travelling through Banwell (almost 40 years) I have probably wasted at least a year of it in traffic jams here. Now working for a coach company that relies on passing through Banwell (eventually) to access much of our work at Churchill School, I am amazed that people from Redhill, Blagdon etc have recently been able to influence an enquiry into the Banwell bypass scheme, when THEY have alternatives. A new road to bypass Banwell is about 30 years overdue. It has to happen sometime soon. Why are the "powers that be" so reluctant to spend OUR money when they waste it on so many ridiculous projects?
Carol, WSM

Took the road to Banwell in our camper van, oblivious to the problem until we hit a long traffic queue. Absolutely appalled at the situation, which is totally unacceptable. There is clearly no solution other than a bypass. In the mean time an access-only notice on approach roads would seem the only sensible interim measure. Such a notice or some other warning would certainly have prevented us (including Australian friends - equally appalled and amazed) from adding to the problem, to say nothing of our own annoyance.
Yours in disgust
Ken, Reading

The only solution to the traffic/noise/pollution/damage to the structure of the village of Banwell is a bypass. Why has it taken so long?
Mr D., Banwell

I've lived in the area for 23 years and, having witnessed the relentless deterioration in Banwell's traffic flow, I agree wholeheartedly with your excellent site that doing nothing is no longer an option. More power to your collective elbows!
Ian, Winscombe

Save Banwell and provide an alternative for traffic.
Katrina, WSM

A bypass would make the centre of the village a useable space again and not just a car park
W, Upper Langford

This village is in desperate need of a bypass to prevent any further damage to its listed buildings and improve the quality of life for its residents
C.L., Evesham

If places such as Wells and Street can have a bypass, or in the case of Wells a dog's dinner of a relief road, then Banwell is a very important case to consider. Although how anyone can not see the need for a bypass here. Good luck with your efforts to make someone, somewhere take notice. I would suggest that the idiots in County Hall who are not supportive be made to drive through Banwell morning and evenings, every day until it seeps into their brains that something is not quite right. If that doesn't work move higher up the food chain.
Tony, Wells

12 hrs of gridlock per day very imminent.
Graham, WSM

Banwell urgently needs a Bypass - traffic noise and pollution is dire.
Mrs D., Banwell

I use the road through Banwell to work every day, as the A38 is a better road than the A370. Banwell is a lovely place but it cannot take the amount of traffic passing through it, especially the lorries and Coaches. They are just too big! Also when the M5 is closed due to accidents, which seems to be a regular occurrence, the route through Banwell is the only route out of Weston. Give the people of Banwell a safe place to live and stop Weston being cut off from the rest of the world! No in years to come but now before someone gets killed.
Ian, WSM

We have just moved to the area having lived abroad (USA & Holland) for six years. Back to UK traffic nonsense. It's hard to believe that the residents of Banwell have to put up with this daily awful congestion and pollution. To get to Weston, M5 and the fantastic shopping facilities in the area we have to drive through Banwell but quite honestly it would be easier to go elsewhere.
Deborah, Winscombe

I am so pleased to discover that Banwell Parish Council is campaigning for a bypass. I am a former Churchill Parish Councillor, and have been involved with the TMTV initiative of local villages which, you will obviously know, was established following the recent BATS study and has been campaigning for traffic management within Banwell and elsewhere rather than new road building. In principle, I am sure most enlightened people would applaud the good intentions of TMTV, in that its chief goal has been to stop HGVs from using our area as a cut-through. However, having lived in Banwell for the past 6 months, it is clear to me that as an entirely separate issue from that of HGV traffic, the village of Banwell still urgently needs a bypass (regardless of whether HGVs are banned from using the area as a whole).

Another point that seems worthy of mention here is the supposed installation of a 'traffic management' scheme in Banwell by North Somerset Council - which was campaigned for by TMTV and many Banwell residents. The Council has now installed their much-awaited traffic management scheme, yet it seems they have misinterpreted the term 'traffic management' to mean 'traffic calming'. The new ramps are patently not going to stop HGVs or any other traffic from using the village as a cut-through, but instead will simply slow vehicles down... if they were moving in the first place.

It would seem that North Somerset's view of traffic management is based on the premise that if they make a journey as unpleasant and time-consuming as possible to road users, then people will use another route. This isn't traffic management. It's simple stupidity. What the area as a whole needs is proper traffic management, complete with HGV/weight restrictions and declassification of roads from being part of the recommended national freight network. What Banwell as a village needs is a bypass... and a County Council that cares for the quality of life of thousands of its inhabitants. Best of luck with the campaign!
David, Banwell.

For gods sake GET IT SORTED!
R.D., WSM

Having lived in the area for just over two years I find Banwell to be the worst bottleneck / traffic jam ever encountered anywhere in the UK. A bypass is desperately needed and would be an environmentally sound solution, as traffic would be kept moving.
Tim Tur, Axbridge

My sister lives in Banwell and on every visit I am increasingly appalled at the traffic levels. I live in London and the traffic is not nearly as bad. The idea that speed bumps will do anything but frustrate is beyond belief and such a waste of money.
Nick, London

I am a local person living in Winscombe for 9 years. If it were not for the low railway bridge at Winscombe, we would also suffer the same fate as Banwell so I am pleased to support Banwell residents and their campaign. The problem is getting worse and the delays longer with regular hold ups with HGVs unable to pass or actually jamming themselves against the buildings. If the road cannot be taken off the PRN (although surely there are other more suitable routes - longer but not excessively so) - A bypass is necessary. It is interesting to note that when the Sandford Road was temporarily closed due to gasworks a couple of years back and HGVs were temporarily re-routed. The problem was dramatically reduced and I would support the immediate ban of HGVs until the bypass can be built. Will common sense prevail - I hope so.
Sarah, Winscombe

Banwell has desperately needed a bypass for the last forty years but it has been all talk and no action.
J.O.Hutton

Many villages will petition for the right for a bypass on the basis of preference, disruption, inconvenience, quality of life etc. Whilst these reasons are emotive and valid for each individual within a neighbourhood, it is clear that whilst these reasons will be argued in favour of a bypass for Banwell, they contribute to the argument but do not in isolation allow a strong basis for qualification. The unique situation surrounding Banwell is its physicality. If the objective is to stream traffic through from A to B then it is clear that Banwell simply does not have the infrastructure to facilitate this requirement. The village is too narrow and causes traffic jams regardless of vehicle size at virtually any time of day. In more global terms this sits against every principle factored into effective logistics where time (as well as fuel economy) is a significant factor worthy of economic consideration. In short logic must prevail, the village is too tight to manage the volumes of traffic required and it is my honest belief that the revenues generated by relieving Banwell with a bypass will in time alleviate the cost. These (obvious) savings to local and national business compliment perfectly my subjective feelings of the big lorries being a complete pain in the ass.
Marcus, Banwell

Banwell could be an idyllic village.... it already has the right ingredients: community spirit, beautiful countryside, local facilities (school, shops, pubs!), character buildings.... but all this counts for nothing if you dread going anywhere near the place because of the congestion, pollution and danger from having to navigate your way through the centre of the village. Who is the council trying to kid putting in the recent traffic "calming" measures such as the speed bumps? Stop skirting around the issue and build the bypass...for everyone's sake!
Bryan, Locking

I am sometimes asked to collect our grandchildren from school and cannot remember a time when I have been able to drive straight through Banwell. Life must be impossible for those using the road more frequently than I do, and for the inhabitants. If no heavy vehicles used this road, it would transform the situation. I do hope you manage to get a bypass.
Mrs. S., Pewsey, Wilts

A by-pass would also be a fabulous opportunity to rejuvenate Banwell - its shops and services would be so much more accessible to its residents and those of the surrounding villages. Having recently moved to Winscombe, I would love to have a wander around the historic centre of Banwell but the horrendous traffic completely precludes this.
Adele, Winscombe

Driving through Banwell during rush hour is the most horrendous start or end to the day. You can easily be in a queue for 15 mins to travel only a few hundred yards. On top of this due to the narrow roads, it is totally unsafe for pedestrians to walk along the paths as cars and buses continually mount the pavement. Banwell is a lovely village but the nightmare road situation makes it renowned only for the traffic.
Alli, Banwell

There are now six humps. I go over them as slow as I can, but my car suspension makes horrible noises. If this is broken, will the Local Authority pay for the damage?
Mrs F. Winscombe

The BATS study proposed 2 routes north of the village for a bypass. The objectors appeared to be NIMBYS living in Dinghurst Road, Churchill, Station Road Sandford, and Towerhead who feared more vehicles might pass their properties. Traffic calming measures should have been implemented over a year ago and by now found to be ludicrous and the bid for finance should have been submitted this year rather than next. Who knows what will happen now as there is to be a General Election next year. The fact remains that Banwell urgently needs to be bypassed and I have held this opinion ever since I moved to this area 30 years ago.
William, Langford

My journey to work takes twice as long as it did. Also one person swerved to avoid the ramps and narrowly missed me. This has also happened to my dad.
R.C., Winscombe

It gets worse. Why the humps? Things need speeding up not slowing down. Would a traffic light system at peak times be a better answer at least it would avoid the jams and keep things moving. I have lived in the area over 30 years and must have wasted hours sitting in Banwell. This must be the most congested village in the UK and top of the list for a bypass.
Graham, Sandford

What is it going to take to show some common sense? Does someone have to get killed? It's not rocket science. Just build a bypass!
Daniel, Banwell

I have been travelling through Banwell regular for almost 25 years. That the road should be used as a major route is so ridiculous that one has to laugh sometimes. It has to be experienced to be believed.
John, WSM

Banwell needs this. As a police constable in the local area for 10 years although now retired, I have had to deal with many collisions, near collisions and road blocked due to two HGV's/PSV's trying to pass in the very narrow streets. This has caused mayhem and should be rectified by the building of a bypass.
PC. D., Near WSM,

Banwell must be the worst traffic congested village in the country. And is well overdue for a by-pass. It is not only us Banwell residents that have the problem moreover, anyone who has to regularly travel though Banwell to hopefully get to the other side.
David, Godfrey

Long needed
R.B.Locking

Traffic calming is not the solution as traffic is already at a virtual standstill. Local traffic is not the volume of the problem. Location of Banwell is a main link route for the surrounding 10-15 miles. A by-pass is the solution and can be done tastefully to enhance the environment and wildlife ie. tree planting, badger underpasses etc. After much opposition, the Newbury by-pass has been a great success with more trees planted than originally removed with nature reserves planned and maintained. Banwell people need to be listened to and our citizens need to feel safe on the pavements instead of the fear of being hit by car wing mirrors or forced out of the way by pavement mounted vehicles.
Colette, Banwell

I have lived in Hutton for 8 years and travel daily to work at Langford. The traffic through Banwell has increased to such a level that it is only possible to arrive at work on time by leaving home earlier and earlier. The current traffic calming measures are totally unnecessary - especially the ridiculously high ramp by the school crossing, and have created more problems than they have resolved. A bypass would give the village back its rural character and enable the villagers to live without the constant threat of noxious traffic fumes.
J.T., Hutton

I travel through Banwell from Locking to Winscombe every day to take my children to Sidcot. On the first day of school I left home at 8.10 to ensure the children were not late for the 8.50 start. Due to a lorry hitting the back of a bus (that is what I was told was the delay) my children were 20 minutes late for school. I have to get my children up around 30 minutes earlier than is necessary for a journey of just 7 miles because I do not know when we will encounter a significant delay in Banwell. A bypass is badly needed.
Alison, Locking

Once again NE Somerset has squandered thousands of pounds on a total waste of time by trying to slow down the already crawling traffic through the village. They have once again showed their stupidity and refusal to listen to the populace.
William, Banwell

Stop the Lorries!
Lorna, Banwell

The traffic situation has got worse in the last 6 months. There is often a disregard for the priority signs on the hill which causes a bottleneck further along. It is just an accident waiting to happen at rush hour with all the children walking to and from school with all the traffic.
Helen, Clevedon

That road is absolutely ridiculous. It's hard enough for two cars to pass, let alone a couple of HGVs. People have been talking of having a bypass since I was a child and I cannot believe nothing has ever been done. Is it going to take a serious accident/injury before something is done?
Philip, High Littleton, Bristol

I use this route regularly and feel for the people of Banwell. It badly needs a bypass if it is to remain a main A road
John, BS26

I often travel from Wells to Weston Super Mare and Banwell desperately needs another alternative to the chaos through their village.
Dee, Wells

This village route is a farce. It took me 45 mins to get from Worle to Winscombe the other morning at 8 45am. And I was on my way to my dentists in wells at 9 30: I ended up 20 mins late. I say BYPASS BANWELL NOWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nick, Worle

This must be at least 50 years overdue
Mr D., Hutton

Banwell is a nightmare to drive through.
Freda, Hutton

It is a joke when you are stuck for hours as two large lorries are passing down the narrow streets pumping fumes into Banwell
Emma, Hewish

The sooner the better!!!
D.K., Banwell

A by-pass is long overdue! Best of luck.
Gill, Draycott, Cheddar

The yellow lines outside the shops and post office are excellent, mind you that was first suggested more than ten years ago. The bumps are acceptable but do little to help, as for the narrowing of West Street that must have been thought up by a complete idiot! Kenneth, Banwell

How this issue has not been addressed before now is beyond belief. You would have to search very hard to find a more deserving case for a by-pass as Banwell.
Trevor, St.Georges

We have been living in this area for the past thirty years, using the road through Banwell at least once every week. Banwell needed a bypass back in 1974 but conditions are much worse now. The volume of traffic is far heavier, while HGVs have increased enormously in size. No community should be expected to endure the noise, the health risks caused by exhaust gases, the dirt and the sheer physical danger of huge vehicles in narrow steep streets. It is more than time for a proper solution which will restore a human dimension to this ancient and historic Somerset village.
Angela, Axbridge

The traffic is crazy, how can the people of Banwell live normal lives with the traffic madness.
Allan, WSM

I frequently travel through this lovely village either to, or from, work in Bath... even though I know it will take me up you 35 minutes to get through it! I see that there are two problems here, not one. But hopefully a bypass would also cure the 2nd problem of freeing up parking space so that I can finally sample the butcher shop that advertises mouth watering sausages! What has to be more important though are the people who live there; some will remember the night a sleepy lorry driver who drove into one of the buildings (no, it wasn't me... but I know him). It must be a total nightmare for the locals who live there.
My vote is for the bypass, and I hope whoever is setting this up gets in touch with Points West, and all the other local media to help gain further support.
Dave, WSM

Keep the village safe and move the road.
Ray, Burnham on Sea

I travel through Banwell every day to get to work and to carry out my job visiting clients on behalf of North Somerset Education Authority. Like many other, I have no alternative but to use my car as my job could not be done any other way. I find the journey unnecessarily stressful and my clients suffer from the delays caused by traffic congestion.
Christine, Sandford

Something needs to be done, it is currently a nightmare.
Andy, WSM

The sooner the better, the recent traffic calming measures are a complete waste of taxpayers money and will achieve nothing positive
Alex. BS25

I feel this is a well worth while cause and, having spent some time in Banwell, I know how bad the traffic problem is. I support the cause of a bypass before a tragedy occurs.
Debbie, New Zealand

The road through Banwell, given that it is a main 'A' trunk route, is absurd and, now that 'traffic calming' measures are in place and there are two points where only one vehicle can pass, it is even more so. It may have served the purpose in the old days of horses and carts, but today it is a nightmare all through the year. A bypass is the only solution which makes sense. Smaller problems have been resolved by bypasses.
Mrs C., Winscombe

About time - have waited 40 mins to travel less than 1 mile - what must be the impact on the environment.
Hamish, Yatton

Everybody who regularly drives through Banwell knows how desperately we need the bypass. The provision was only deferred at the last Council meeting by a petition mainly from people who thought (mistakenly) that the value of their properties would fall, if the bypass runs near their houses. It was stated in the meeting, that "there was a marked similarity in the writing found on the petition" suggesting to me that many signatories were forgeries. Let's regain sanity and build a bypass before the village disappears in smog.
T. & V. N., Banwell

I use this route to go to and from work everyday, and get held up for quite a while.
Rachel, Locking Castle

The amount of time I get held up for in the morning is ridiculous.
Tara/Carine, WSM

Absolutely agree that a bypass is necessary before someone is killed. I filled in comments to the road planning people regarding the pathetic 'traffic calming' measures that have recently been cobbled-up. The problem is not one of slowing or calming traffic, it is one of getting the vehicles out of the village for good. Unless something is done our village will never be a place where people can meet during the day and we are waiting for a fatality to get us the priority we need.
Dave, Banwell

AS we have to come through Banwell to get to our village Winscombe - it would be much easier if we did not have to go directly through the centre of the village and all the delays and frustration that it causes as well as the pollution. It seems the obvious solution to build a bypass and we can not understand why it has not been done a long time ago.
Helen, Winscombe

Getting through Banwell on the rare occasions I encounter no traffic only takes a minute. When the traffics bad it can take up to 20minutes or even on one occasion half an hour.
Grant, WSM

Me, I go to Churchill, so have to go through Banwell. It would be better without so much traffic. We wouldn't be so late all the time.
Emma, Weston

Every morning I am stuck in the traffic jams in Banwell, I go to Churchill school on the bus and we are always caught in the middle of a load of traffic. We would make it to school in much better time if we didn't actually need to go through Banwell.
Kate, Hutton

Sick of traffic in Banwell
Paul

Ay....don't be a dry bread.
Tom, WSM

Heavy goods vehicles through Banwell should be banned! A bypass is the only solution.
Nick, Sandford

I drove through Banwell for the first time yesterday since the new TM measures have been put in place. Coming from Sandford, I stopped at the first speed bump (I was travelling at less than 5 mph!) and it took me 35 minutes to get to the shops at the bottom of the Narrows. I was given a leaflet by one of your local residents, who remarkably apologised for the delay, as if it was his fault!! The residents of Banwell deserve better, they need a bypass and so do the thousands of motorist that use this route daily.
Lee,WSM

Make route B not A. Remove all parking at every entrance to village. Ban ALL lorries and buses except local bus and school bus as a temporary measure until a bypass is built. This would not cost much: only 3 signs.
Mr & Mrs P., Locking

Banwell sucks
Bobby, WSM

Probably most comments airing our protestations have already been written. However here is a question that most people including our 'lasser faire' parish/county councillors will certainly not have the answer. In what year was it recognised that Banwell would eventually have a traffic problem that would degenerate into the chaos we now experience. Answer: The same year Hitler invaded Poland. This information has been provided by a very respectable elderly lady who has lived in Banwell most of her life. Obviously it must be put into the right perspective; however it does highlight the fact that all councils regardless of political colour have ignored this serious problem over the past 65 years.
Reg, Banwell

I frequently drive through Banwell and must say that a bypass is urgently needed.
Des, Paulton, Bristol

In the Weston mercury this week, a lady stated that if we had a bypass then the shops would close and the village would die like Axbridge. If she had been here for any length of time she would know that as the traffic has increased the shops have decreased. The passing trade has done just that, passed by because motorists dare not stop in Banwell; it is difficult to get out of or into a car or rejoin the stream of traffic. in other places that have been bypassed they have found that trade has actually increased, if there is room to stop then motorists will divert from the bypass in order to visit the shops that they need. The village will not die but it would be nice if it was returned to the residents.
Mike, Banwell

This is desperately needed
Alison, Winscombe

An excellent idea!!
Andrew, Winscombe

We need a bypass because of the sheer volume of traffic, it is a nightmare driving home at rush hour and the pollution is really bad when just walking to the shop. Often when walking along the narrow bit cars brush past you when they are trying to squeeze through!
Cheryl, Banwell

I have to drive through every day and my car got written off by a Bakers Dolphin coach who couldn't fit through the gap. It's only a matter of time before something worse happens.
Felicity, Banwell

This is long overdue and should also include Winscombe which is also rapidly becoming a large traffic jam!
Catherine, Winscombe

Although I have a Birmingham address, I am based in Cheddar during the week and am a regular user of this route and can sympathise with the residents - Banwell needs this bypass!
Steve, Sutton Coalfield

Make me No 500!
E.R, Locking

I have to travel through Banwell twice every day, to and from work - the speed bumps are making my life a misery and the new narrowing at the bottom of the hill is ridiculous! There is always a queue and it can take 15 minutes to get from The Whistling Duck to Banwell Castle. Travel at speed through Banwell??? I'd love to...
Pam, WSM

It's about time they built a bypass. It makes my journey to work every day a nightmare.
S., Oldmixon, WSM

I have experienced frequent delays in Banwell despite passing through at 'off-peak' times. In the rush hour it becomes a virtual no-go area. Good luck with the campaign and don't give up!
Louise, Winscombe

I constantly use Banwell and spend a lot of my time in a very very slow moving line of traffic. The fumes must be very heavy. Traffic will get worse and the only solution is a bypass. Traffic measures will not help or solve the problem.
Paul, Bleadon, WSM

Why waste money on these so-called traffic-calming devices - can anyone go at speed through Banwell?
Joy, Winscombe

Having resided in West Street. Banwell where the almighty traffic problem is I feel that it is about time that the powers that be took notice, cut the RED TAPE and pulled out all the stops to get this sorted out once and for all. This problem in Banwell has been with us for decades. How on earth could the highways authority, planners, environmental offices and the darned COUNCILS possibly allow a situation like that at Banwell to get so out of hand? So it seems to be down to money as always. I could swear about that and use the most profound language to express my heartfelt grief that these so-called bodies who manage our road systems have not dealt with this issue as they should have sensibly done so long ago. When I resided there in Banwell West Street, I campaigned myself to get something done about the hoped-for bypass. Always the excuse was "Can't afford it". Hence now the cost would be astronomical. Why Oh why didn't they build that bypass before WW2 when it was first talked about. If there was a need for a bypass then, there sure as hell is a need now. People who have to go through Banwell are horrified when they meet such huge queues of traffic in front of them waiting an aeon to get through the village on their way from or to their places of employment etc. I can only give MY WHOLE HEARTED SUPPORT to any move to get that darned bypass a reality instead of so much gas, it has been round and round and round for far too long. The authorities MUST ACT NOW!!!!!!!!! From John who lived in West Street for 30 of his 50 years in Banwell where I was born and raised. Good luck to all campaigners.
John, WSM

Either bypass Banwell village or close the main road permanently to lorries.
Lucy, Worle

Long overdue, or do we have to wait for a fatality?
A.M., Banwell

Traffic is the one draw back to living in an otherwise nice place, I find I have to leave early for work to stand any chance of getting out of School close; certain times of day one may as well not even try! Please don't wait for someone to be killed here before you act!
Kay, Banwell

Thirty-nine years ago I drove through Banwell, the traffic was bad and there were campaign signs fighting for a bypass then. I moved to Weston Super Mare in 1974 and again no improvement and traffic bad. Now in 2004the situation is appalling. The residents require a bypass now, as life living in Banwell must be intolerable. It's about time North Somerset Council got off their backsides and helped the people of Banwell, and the motorists that have to drive through the village.
Mr B.L.,WSM

Everyday we doubt the wisdom of buying a house on the other side of such a traffic bottleneck. It is difficult to get elderly people and children across the rod to the Methodist Church. I have never seen cars speeding where the humps have been placed. They speed along Wolvershill Road. The traffic calming must have cost a fortune!!
Rev. P., Winscombe

Do hope that your campaign is successful.
Peter, Sandford

Why is it that local government gets away with inactivity on such an important issue for 50 years?? It would never be allowed in the commercial sector.
Peter, Wrington

THE TRAFFIC IS HORRENDOUS AND CAN KILL.
James, Banwell

Banwell is too busy and school children have to get up to early to get to school and there still too late so they are missing their education.
Luke, St. Georges

I DESPISE THE TRAFFIC.
Mandy, Banwell

Been driving through here for 17 years and it has got worse and worse. If we can't have a bypass, could we have traffic lights, as most people are very selfish about giving way?
I would happily drive a few miles further to avoid a jam. As much as extra buses would help, we all travel to / from different places, so there will never be enough buses with enough frequency
Chris, WSM

The introduction of speed bumps is a reprehensible waste of public money. Speed is not the issue. There is already enough congestion in the village and a by-pass is necessary for the comfort and sanity of both residents and motorists.
Sarah, Bladgon

Bypass desperately needed by residents and people travelling through Banwell.
Rowena, Worle

Please, just build the bypass.
Alastair, Cross

A by-pass for Banwell has been talked about for at least 30 years, to my knowledge. Nobody that I know enjoys going to Banwell; it is just a place that has to be endured on the way to Weston. Isn't it time that Banwell reverted to a place that the residents could be proud of!
Paul, Cheddar

I live in the village of Barford where we have upwards of 16,000 vehicles a day pass through. I have had a car crushed by a speeding lorry, and my neighbours lost 2 that way! A bypass is planned for us fortunately, but it cannot come soon enough. You have my vote and my sympathy.
Tim, Barford, Warwickshire

For the last 23 years people have been telling me that Banwell is going to get a bypass, I used to believe it. Good Luck I think you will all need it and then I can stop being a part of the problem and bypass your lovely if somewhat grubby Village
Robert, Knowle

The situation is absurd and a bypass is long past due for this poor village.
Penny, Axbridge

It is sometimes a small nuisance driving through but for those living in Banwell itself, it must be intolerable
Rich, Cross

Banwell is now a joke as far as traffic is concerned, did any thought go into the consequences of the traffic calming? Measures such as increased pollution from the now nearly stationary traffic? What a stupid idea and a complete waste of public money it has been so far-why not put the money to good use and build a bypass. Sod the NIMBYs (the "not in my backyard") they deserve everything they get.
Brian, Langford

We moved to the village in 1977 and I did the bypass thing then for a number of years. I stood in the narrows and took vehicle numbers, counted cars and heavy goods vehicles, walked across the road outside the school over and over again to get a zebra crossing when our then lollipop lady was very nearly run over by a car whose driver told her it was legal for him to run her over as there was not a zebra crossing there and many more things. None of these things worked because we are too far away from Bristol for anyone to care and heavy goods vehicles equals big business equals more influence with government departments than ordinary citizens. Having said that I will again go to bat for a quieter cleaner village.
Sandra, Banwell

As a regular user of this road it is a complete bottle neck. It has just taken me half hour to get from the Whistling Duck to the end of Banwell
R.S., Norton Radstock

This is not a route for heavy vehicles or white van man.
John, Locking

Astonished at the stupidity of local government.
Shirley, Locking

Sat in a traffic jam for an hour today. Is this what the 'authority' means to do?
Jean, Bishopsworth, Bristol

The expensive traffic calming measures seem to be doing nothing. Lorries drive over then at the same speed as before. All the bollards seem to be doing is to cause a tail back on all roads. Is this traffic management or traffic confusion?
Kathleen, Penryn, Cornwall

Traffic calming measures cannot sort out the traffic mess in Banwell. Allowing this level of traffic in such a narrow main high street is asking for accidents to happen. It's a lovely village with a thriving community and it's being spoilt by this situation. How can any council and/or government let this carry on? SAVE BANWELL, BUILD A BYPASS!!!
Matilda, Banwell

The council stating they have to install traffic calming so they can prove that it doesn't work so they can have a bypass is the most ridiculous thing and waste of money I have ever heard of from N. Somerset council - and that's saying something!
John, WSM

We're right behind you
Lorna, Banwell

It's a nightmare visiting my parents who live in Banwell
Sean BS48

I have driven through (is driven the correct word?) Banwell almost daily, now slightly less frequently, for the past few years. During my many hours spent in traffic jams I have come up with a suggestion that I have not seen aired elsewhere. Build a new junction on the M5 where it crosses the A38 (Bridge already there). Put sign on M5 stating now HGVs through Banwell - access directly to A38 at Junction 21A (New one suggested above). Thus far fewer, if any, HGVs through the village. This will also cut car traffic as people living in

		Bypass Banwell
		Your feedback We have been amazed both by the sheer number and the heartfelt passion of the comments left on our petition page. Over 500 comments and 3037 signatures so far and still they come! Thank you everyone for your support. It seems only fair to print every single comment...even the four negative ones and those in favour of an alternative route or a triple bypass. If you want to contribute to the debate, follow this link to our discussion board.
Home News The problem Solutions What you can do Feedback Photo of the week Letter of the week Light relief Click here to vote		*In favour of a bypass* In the short term, ban all traffic over 10 tons and put double yellows through Banwell. I travel all over the country in my work and I have not found a place as bad as Banwell. I don't think things will change until it affects those making the decisions. When I moved to this area 34 years ago, plans were in place for a Sandford and Banwell bypass and we are still waiting!!! Please do something and soon. Roy, Sandford We all like our mobility and our life style generates and is sustained largely by the movement of goods and services by vans and heavy good vehicles. It would be nice to see a less selfish attitude to the indiscriminate building of more roads in this area which undoubtedly will be required. The issue spreads far wider then Banwell. For traffic going south a new link road from the M5 to Warminster with an up grade and by passes for villages on the A36, a by pass for Salisbury to link with the M3 would alleviate much traffic pressure which is currently increasing on Mendip and the AONB. Banwell would also benefit. A final point is the cry of traders saying a bypass would reduce trade I can never understand this. As it is now no one would wish to visit stop or live in Banwell unless circumstances dictated otherwise. TW, WSM Something that's long overdue. I can remember being stuck in Banwell as a child and now many years later I'm a driver and it's not getting any better. Joseph, Winscombe Presently one of the biggest bottlenecks in the west! John, Frome There has been talk of a bypass for 30 years that I know of. Isn't it time something actually happened? Yak Yak rabbit rabbit bang bang etc etc Alan, WSM Support the bypass very much. B. Bristol Would very much welcome the bypass for a quicker journey. W., Bristol Yes to the bypass. D., Bristol Banwell desperately needs a bypass. Good luck. Anne, Cheddar A bypass is the only solution to the congestion and pollution in the Village. The recent traffic management measures have had no impact on these and have probably resulted in more standing traffic, producing more pollution. Michael, Banwell The solution lies in a road sign well before the village at each end, telling all large commercial vehicles over 7.5 ton (except locals) they are banned from the village. Banwell traffic will then flow as normal. T and P Transport, Banwell A bypass is long overdue to the long-suffering residents of Banwell and the drivers who have to drive through it. Roger, Bristol I work in Bristol and the A38 is my main route. Banwell is always slow and blocked. I believe the bypass is the only way round this. My other options to join the A38 are through Bleadon and Litton which is just as difficult!! Sonia, Uphill I am both an HGV driver and a resident of Banwell, so I feel that I have a rounded viewpoint. Firstly, most hauliers are responsible companies and, as income is only generated when the wheels are turning, they have no wish for their vehicles to be held up in jams any more than private motorists have. It's a question of practical options, so let's not knock them - we all want a workable solution. Clearly, the traffic-calming measures are no solution. It simply means that polluting vehicles are held up for longer than before - resulting in poorer air quality for us villagers and further stressed motorists who are trying to go about their business. Building a bypass that only bypasses Banwell merely serves to keep an unacceptable level of passing traffic through the other villages of Sandford and/or Winscombe, depending upon its route. I have long thought that a new spur from the semi-used M5 Junction 20 at Clevedon, across the moors and on up to the A38/Lulsgate would solve a number of route problems in one fell swoop. However, one contributor to this site suggests the Junction 21A option, which has often raised its head in local debate. This seems to me to be the best solution as I believe it would have the least environmental impact. Perhaps the politicians and planners can arrange to divert some of their seemingly-endless pink tarmac budget and bring about some much-needed relief for the village. Sadly, it so often seems to me that it takes a tragedy to happen before something practical and enduring happens. Mike, Banwell I deliver for Parceline around Banwell, cheddar, Wedmore etc. I hate having to go near Banwell. It takes ages to get through. Sort it out! Sean, Gloucester The new traffic calming measures have only served to increase the congestion in the village and also there will be an increase in fumes. I live in Weston but the rest of my family live in Winscombe & Sandford - the only way I can get to see them, without a long detour is by driving through Banwell. The best of luck with the bypass - it's only about 40 years overdue! Phillip, WSM Appalling traffic problems which I have had to face for more years than I can remember every day. When are we going to wake up to the fact that the "environment" means the places we live in, as well as the green fields that would be used up to build a bypass. Living in Banwell must be a total nightmare. Look at the beauty of Axbridge after its bypass was built. It's a model for Banwell. Ian, Winscombe Done for school assignment 1990 and conclusion the same as yourselves. Craig, WSM Even with the traffic as bad as it is, it really is the quickest route from where I am working in W-s-M to Congresbury. Chris, Congresbury Driving through Banwell is an accident waiting to happen. The access from the Churchill direction at the cross roads is virtually blind. The road from Weston straight through to the Castle is very narrow, and usually involves a tussle of nerves with other drivers especially HGV and Bus drivers who force their way through. Bruce, WSM This problem of traffic means that I am taking 30 minutes a day waiting in queues, burning fuel and getting very stressed not to mention the impact I am having on the local village residents. Steve, High Littelton Please build the bypass! Juliet, Axbridge Over the past 15-20 years, we have frequently had to visit and work with family members living in Weston-Super-Mare. Our easiest and shortest route takes through Banwell and it is almost invariably heavily congested especially around the junction with the incoming road from Sandford. The need for a bypass has been blatantly obvious over all those years and the problems have steadily increased in line with the annual growth in road traffic in the area. It has now reached a critical level and relief is urgently needed. Brian, Andover Weston super mare is our nearest major shopping area, so we have to drive through Banwell, which is always a nightmare, always hold ups, and dustbin day is an absolute nightmare with long tailbacks. I have witnessed the impossible situation of a bus trying to get past a dustbin lorry. I feel really sorry for everyone who lives in Banwell and has to put up with this impossible situation daily. It must really affect the quality of their lives. Mrs H, Westbury Sub Mendip A bypass is very much long overdue. It definitely needs to be in place by the time they start building new houses in the old RAF Locking. How about a new link to a new motorway junction while we are about it to relieve congestion on junction 21? Annabel, Uphill I make regular journeys from Congresbury to Hutton where my 94 year old mother lives. I find the traffic hold ups in Banwell very difficult and tiresome. I feel very sorry for the residents of Banwell must be fed up with living with constant static traffic pouring out fumes. Charles, Congresbury Banwell is a lovely village, but the traffic is truly terrible. I travel through Banwell ONLY if I come from the Cheddar direction to Weston-Super-Mare. Otherwise I use another route, not that one car makes much difference, but a lot more could do the same. Best wishes for a bypass! Brian, Midsomer Norton Nice to have something done hasn't this being going on for 30 years now Reg, Banwell I have visited Banwell on many occasions last being earlier this week 19/11/04. I have relatives in Weston-Super-Mare. I think it is a lovely village and every time I have visited I have been stuck in traffic jams. Good luck with your campaign. Jerry, Rochdale Having grown up in the surrounding area and with many family members living locally I have watched the plans for Banwell's bypass get repeatedly shelved, whilst many other largely unnecessary traffic schemes get the green light. In this time of ever increasing traffic it is about time that this situation is resolved with a bypass before a major accident is allowed to occur. Duncan, Northampton I believe Banwell is a beautiful town, being slowly choked to death. This bypass is not only necessary, but absolutely essential if we are to keep Banwell alive, in the same way as Axbridge was saved all those years ago. Natalie, Shipham I really support the people of Banwell who want a bypass. The village needs it. Sarah, Congresbury I went on route through Banwell over 30yrs ago and it was terrible then. What is the hold up? Banwell desperately needs a bypass NOW! Norah, Wallingford The people of Banwell deserve our support. The present situation is deplorable. I appreciate that the bypass will have implications for other villages including mine but still believe it should proceed ASAP. Donald, Upper Langford I feel a bypass will benefit the health of the Banwell residents as well as ease the horrendous congestion Ian, Winscombe Banwell has been long overdue a bypass. I travel through Banwell daily to work in Wells and have yet been able to drive straight through. Part of the problem that has already been pointed out is the parking outside of the shops, and the Bell Inn. Second best to the bypass has got to be traffic lights, which at least gives everyone a guaranteed passage through the congested area. Lastly how can traffic calming measures work when most of the time the traffic is static anyway, plus the ramp by the school is high enough to take the suspension out to those who are unfamiliar to the area. Heaven help anybody who has to be rushed to Weston hospital with possible spinal injury or such like in an ambulance. A.H., Kewstoke Apart from the congestion which is above national average the fumes from exhaust is overwhelming and in my opinion not acceptable for the Banwell community which outweigh the traffic problem. Jim, Axbridge To NOT have a bypass is the height of foolishness considering the size of the road through Banwell. Brenda, Locking My parents live in Banwell. Every time I visit the village I am appalled by the effects of the weight of traffic on the residents. Walking through the bottleneck is quite a threatening and unnerving experience. I am amazed this situation has gone on for so long, that no one has been killed or seriously injured and that the people of Banwell remain calm and level-headed about the problem. I would have been tempted to take some form of direct action long before. You have my complete support for the only solution that makes any sense at all - a bypass. Alan, Manchester Banwell is a mess and has been for years. North Somerset have procrastinated for long enough. The latest scheme is a complete irrelevance. We need a bypass. It is only a matter of time before the traffic will jam solid. Ian, Chapel Allen Banwell is a nightmare to drive through. Many I know choose the option of a longer diversionary route, surely not good for the environment but it at least spells out the message that this situation cannot be tolerated for those that live there and those that drive. If nothing else is achieved at least make Banwell one way ...radical maybe and no doubt whatever the answer, someone somewhere won't be happy! Just keep it happy and mind your manners, next time you are stuck, because one thing is certain, this won't be sorted out quickly Jo, Axbridge I commute through Banwell from Cheddar to Bristol on a daily basis following the A371 from Winscombe and then turning right by the library (I think this is Church Street) and out to the M5 via West Rolston Road and the A370. I do this because there is no viable alternative. My average journey time (off-peak) is 45-50 minutes; going by public transport would take a minimum of 2¾ hours. Because of the volume of traffic, ridiculously low speed limit on the A38 and long detour going via junction 22 of the M5 adds nearly 30 minutes to my journey. I do not like driving through Banwell as it is too narrow for modern traffic. I have heard that the first proposal for a bypass was made in the 1930s - and it doesn't take a genius to realise there has been exponential growth in road traffic since then. Particularly if the bypass were linked to a new junction on the M5 this would relieve the overcapacity junction 21, roads in the centre of Weston-super-Mare, the unclassified roads leading to the A370, traffic on the A38 to junction 22 (including through several villages). Chris, Cheddar Banwell's problem will only get worse as traffic increases in our ever growing region. Ten years ago a bypass was needed, all the surveys and traffic calming measures have not helped one bit, the latest lot being an absolute joke. Come on all you powers that be, let's help the people of Banwell, the motorists, the transport industry and the environment and get this bypass built. R.F, Locking Please get on with it!! Allan, Banwell I am fed up of the congestion which damages local property, create aggravation for Banwellians and is a health hazard to those who live in, what could be, a beautiful village. Neil, Banwell A bypass is essential to the well being of the community H, BS29 Let Sanity Prevail - almost half century we have waited for our erstwhile councillors to use a modicum of commonsense - the longer we have to wait for a bypass the more it will cost, or perhaps the powers that be would just like to see the village crumble under the weight of traffic it has borne for all the years. M.A., Banwell A bypass is a must M.A., Banwell I frequently travel through Banwell and am surprised that the village does not already have a bypass. I am really surprised that it is a government recommended HGV route. The traffic through the village is forever blocked not just by HGVs but the sheer number of vehicles passing through. Banwell is, unfortunately for them one of only 3 routes out of Weston Super Mare, life in the village cannot be very comfortable. I recognise some of the difficulties in by-passing Banwell but am sure that any downside will be far outweighed by improvement in traffic flows, safety and general quality of life for the residents of Banwell. I therefore whole heartedly support a by-pass for Banwell. G.W., WSM I travel through Banwell 4 times a day (2 returns trips) taking my 5 year son to Winscombe Primary School. When there is a coach or lorry trying to get up/down the hill (or both at the same time) you've got no chance!! A bypass is needed NOW! Steve, Locking Travelling through Banwell to WSM is a nightmare with heavy congestion and queues at most times of the day. Either ban HGVs or build the bypass asap. D.A., Shipham Traffic cannot travel quickly through Banwell because of the congestion, so what was the point of putting in the oversized speed humps, which damage any car that is close to the ground. How many exhaust pipes will get ripped off or sumps damaged because of the humps being too high! You can already see the scrape marks on the bumps. Also how long before there is an accident where the bumps will deflect the cars into steering into each other or where some drivers try to drive in between them in the middle of the road! S.D., Worle I don't use this road often, but when I do, WHAT A NIGHTMARE!! Please, please someone build a bypass1 Kelly, WSM I am incensed by the stupidity of restricting the width of the road at a place where it is already too narrow for the traffic of even 10 years ago, and by putting "speed humps" of such a height that the road surface is damaged by the underside of cars. Motorists whose cars are damaged by these useless humps will be fully justified in exacting punitive damages from the authorities. These humps are also dangerous to cyclists and motor cyclists, and are a potential hazard to passengers in cars who are jarred excessively at even very low speeds. It is obvious that the only satisfactory solution is to separate the traffic from the village by a by-pass. It must not be forgotten (as it usually seems to be) that we are all motorists, since there is no other convenient mode of transport available for everyday use. Also don't forget that motorists are also voters who take a dim view of the authorities who try to blame them for the authorities feeble attempts to show they are doing something (anything!) provided it is quick and does not cost too much. T.K., Newbury This bypass is well overdue for everybody not just the locals Dennis, WSM A good opportunity for North Somerset Council to demonstrate they do listen to their public, and have the ability to get things done! Brian, Winscombe Either by-pass Banwell or burn it down and widen the road. Carl, WSM Anything to get around this 'Blot on the landscape.' Alan, WSM I am a nurse working in the local hospice in Weston-super-Mare and have to travel to Banwell and Sandford on a regular basis and find the road congestion a real problem at any time of the day. It creates a great deal of additional travelling time (less time with the patients) and I am very concerned what the effects of the pollution in these narrow streets are having on the residents' health. Carol, Clevedon They've installed traffic calming on the slowest road in the South West. Lunacy. Only a bypass will do. Roger, Winscombe One of the problems with so much traffic through Banwell has been an increase in respiratory illness. This aspect can only have been exacerbated by slowing down the traffic and thus causing a higher concentration of pollutants. Sue, Winscombe I travel to Banwell often to visit my Aunt and Uncle. I consider the pathways currently not for walking. There's a real danger of accidents and action should be taken without delay. Liam, Solihull I've been using the A368 / A370 for a year now, to commute from Bath to Weston General Hospital. (Sorry, I'm one of the cars clogging up the place!) Over the past year the increase in traffic has been obvious, and I feel so sorry for anyone living in your pretty village which is utterly blighted by the current situation. So many times the traffic grinds to a halt because enormous lorries carrying ridiculous loads are trying to squeeze past each other at the infamous bottleneck heading up the hill. It must be immensely frustrating for anyone actually living in the village. I was appalled to find out this road is actually a RECOMMENDED ROUTE for heavy goods vehicles - I personally think that they should be banned from using the entire stretch of road from Bath to Banwell. Not infrequently you can round a corner only to be confronted by an HGV steaming towards you with one set of wheels well across the centreline. Whilst I am guilty of contributing to the situation by using the road, and realise that many lorries use the road legitimately as there is no other option, the village is ruined by the roads passing through. It is a bottleneck for the entire area, and whilst I am sure the government would rather spend its millions on 2 miles of extra lane for the M5, a bypass would ease the lives of the many motorists that use the road, and more importantly restore the quality of life to the residents of this pleasant village. Good luck, don't give up the fight. Dr F, Bath Hurry up!!! Paul, Banwell I have to travel this route on the way and the way home from work and it is a complete nightmare. Hurry up with the bypass! Natalie, Worle A bypass has been needed for many years. Martin, WSM How difficult would it be to impose a weight restriction? Paul, WSM It is crystal clear Banwell urgently needs a bypass. The comments from residents in Sandford (where I lived for 30 years), Winscombe and Churchill are the perfect example of NOT IN MY BACKYARD. All three villages are far far easier to drive through than Banwell which must be given priority. The other important point is that the bottleneck in Banwell would be eased if heavy lorries were banned. To designate it an HGV route is simply a nonsense. And the latest traffic calming measures serve absolutely no useful purpose. They are another indication that North Somerset's traffic policies are thought up by people who have no understanding of traffic at all. Patrick, Winscombe I first heard the subject of a bypass for Banwell mentioned when serving as an Airforce Apprentice at RAF Locking in 1958 - it is long overdue. Terry, Worle A bypass is the only solution to a problem that is getting worse by the day, for the residents of Banwell the toxicity of the constant exhaust is a serious concern especially for the children attending the infants school. For the residents of the adjoining villages the journey into Weston super Mare is a nightmare, especially in summer when the coaches try to pass each other. Jacquie, Winscombe I've been driving through Banwell to get to work for the past 5 years. I've actually changed my working hours so I can start earlier and leave earlier each day so I can get through Banwell with the minimum of fuss and don't hit the chaos of rush hour through Banwell. Kerry, Highbridge My parents lived in Banwell for many years and this has been an ongoing problem with no solution being offered. An immediate solution to ease the problem would be to ban parking outside the shops (except for deliveries) as there is an adequate car park very near. I give my full support to a bypass for Banwell which could be linked to the A370 and the A38. Paul, Winscombe My family previously lived at Knightcott Rd, Banwell from 1977 to 2002 and the traffic situation in Banwell has been witnessed by my self to have grown from bad to chaotic. About time Banwell solved its problem. Churchill and Sanford's so called problem is miniscule by comparison, hence should not be seen to hold up the plan for the Banwell bypass. Good Luck in the campaign and thank you for your devotion towards the majority of villagers wishes. Amrat, Banwell The "AA Book Of British Villages" gives Banwell a glowing report with reference to a serene picture of narrow winding streets lined with small cottages surrounding the church "The Cathedral Of The Mendips". How different is reality with the narrow winding streets a nightmare of heavy traffic with the associated noise and fumes. For so long the Highway Authorities have completely ignored the problems no doubt hoping that they would somehow disappear with time. Wake up North Somerset Council and get something moving so that Banwell can be restored to its former glory, and commuters and commercial traffic have a through route designed to cope with 21st Century traffic volumes. Len, WSM Make Banwell safe and quiet again...put a bypass in for everyone's sake. David, Axbridge I can't even get through on my cycle - whatever next Anne, WSM As a local resident of many years standing, the need for a bypass for Banwell was acknowledged as long ago as the 1950's if not earlier. The present situation is the result of political procrastination. The need for a bypass for Banwell has never been stronger, it should be built now - if the money is not there it should be found as a matter of priority. John, WSM Banwell and the surrounding villages deserve a bypass. When the villages were built, they would never have imagined the sort of traffic that would pass through the village today and we all know that cars were a real luxury in those days. Banwell is a nice place and the pollution from the traffic is choking the place. I think and know that a bypass is the only solution for Banwell. Well done Banwell for sticking up for yourselves. Lorraine, WSM I drive through the village for work and cannot understand why there should be any sensible reason not to construct a bypass. David, WSM We travel from Bristol to Winscombe via Weston-Super-Mare to visit parents and this causes many delays especially during the summer. Anne, Bristol Good luck in your fight against the juggernauts Nick, London Banning HGVs would be a help. As it is I dread driving through the village. I feel every sympathy for the residents. J.O., Cheddar I am becoming a regular user of this road, which only confirms the need for a bypass. Our times have changed as has the traffic congestion but not the road structure which has not kept up with this situation, hence the problem. I support a bypass but consultation and consideration of the needs of connecting villages should be made. Clive, WSM Not many councils in other counties would be so negligent over an issue which under Health and Safety is unacceptable Judy, Banwell Our little shop is the heart of the community, but some of the villagers are afraid to come to it, as the road is so dangerous and the pavement is so very narrow, that the traffic often has to mount the pavement to pass each other. The lorries mirrors are over the pavement. so you have to dodge the lorries. The mothers with prams and young children are in constant fear for their children. The road being so narrow causes traffic jams so the fumes are inescapable for pedestrians. It feels like the village is stuck in the middle of a motorway. The properties some of which are over 400 years old are being shaken to pieces; I know I'm in one. This road was only meant to take horse and carts, please stop the huge lorries if nothing else. Let the village breathe again. Jean, Banwell News, Banwell I travel this road about twice a month on my way to see my son in Weston. Banwell is a village crying out for a bypass and also double yellow lines outside the shops as there is a car park right behind them. I feel so sorry for the folk who have to live with the traffic mess. GOOD LUCK. M.N.,Banes I think that your village is very beautiful, I travel from Nottingham to the Mendips regularly to cave with my club. I try to avoid your village as much as poss due to traffic. Which is a shame as I would like to stop and admire your surroundings as I also live in a beautiful village. We have had a bypass for many years, I remember as a child not being able to cross the road for lorries and speeding traffic, now I can! I hope that some of the Banwell children will also have this memory when they reach my age. Good luck! I look forward to my visit! Tina, Nottingham This is the route I use to travel to Bath Spa University College during the week, where I am a full time student. The time my journey takes depends entirely on how congested Banwell is, as it is the only area I get regularly held up by large vehicles passing through. I allow an hour and a half for travelling, though if Banwell is clear, I usually arrive within 45 minutes from home. However, my journey has taken up to 1 hour 35 minutes, 25 minutes of this was crawling towards and through the village. I therefore waste 1 hour a day just in case there is traffic in Banwell. Sharon, WSM Takes ages to get to Weston using this road. Nicola, Frome Having attended a meeting in Sandford Village Hall about a bypass for Banwell it was sad to hear so many negative comments - such as surrounding villages suffering (we do already). Banwell's streets are much too narrow anyway so what's the point of traffic calming for stationary traffic! Other villages would benefit from traffic calming (Sandford for instance) and then happily linking up with a Banwell bypass. Good luck. Thanks for giving locals and residents the opportunity to air their views. Mrs S, Sandford Have just seen a road sign as I approached Banwell from Wolvershill "Long delays - Find an alternative route". The only suitable alternative route would be a bypass. Come on. Build it now! Wondered why Nye Road (road to Puxton) had got so busy. Reading the comments it seems that people are avoiding the jams in Banwell by driving this route. Madness - it's a single track road at best with dangerous bends and many pot holes. Build the bypass now and make the "jam" problems go away. Mr S, Sandford This Village needs a bypass or perhaps traffic Lights? I sometimes travel through Banwell 8 or 9 times a month from Shepton Mallet. Sorry for the ones who do it every day. Mark, Shepton Mallet As an HGV driver for a company based in Sandford I use Banwell on a daily basis both with my car and lorry. A bypass is the answer to the problem but until then stop all parking outside the shops as there is a large car park which people seem to lazy to use. Parking opposite the Bell inn is another problem area as it forces traffic into the middle of the road at the junction. Banning HGVs is not the answer: car drivers that give way instead of charging on through is. As for the traffic calming scheme what a waste of money, it does not go fast enough to need slowing. I wonder how long these will last before they are back to take them away? Tim, Locking Surely the economic and social costs of the traffic delays/pollution/safety etc must justify bypassing Banwell asap. Peter, Winscombe The latest actions by North Somerset Council to alleviate the problem by installing speed humps to slow down stationery traffic is laughable. L.S., WSM We have a real problem as there is no one in either North Somerset Council or the Town Council with the backbone or experience to tackle the problem. When you see the mess the two councils have made in traffic re-arrangements in the town, no wonder they don't understand the problems at Banwell and waste Ratepayer's money installing speed humps to slow down stationery traffic. For goodness sake tell the Councils to get a grip and do something sensible instead of throwing up their hands and repeatedly saying "There's nothing we can do" B.S. WSM We drive through Banwell at least twice a week mainly taking our grandson to his trampoline class in Cheddar. We find that the journey through the village because of traffic is an absolute nightmare. How the residents have put up with this situation for so long is beyond me. I wish you every success in your campaign. B.W., Worle Traffic lights would be most welcome as would parking restrictions outside the shop/butchery during the day. Keith, Axbridge Too many big lorries going through i.e. 42 and 32 ton types plus motorway heavy lorries roads not built for this type of traffic. G.B., Winscombe Banwell needs a bypass NOW. They have waited too long for one. The volume of traffic and the pollution are dreadful. Good Luck Banwell Colin, Winscombe Whilst it isn't a route I use often, every time I have used it in the last 10 years of living in this area I've felt SO sorry for the people who have to put up with the appalling noise, dirt and menace from the traffic. This village, along with Barrow Gurney, must be the most needy for a bypass in the whole of the Somerset area. I would be GLAD to think of the tax I pay going towards such projects. Viv, Bristol Banwell really needs this bypass! We are forever getting caught in traffic to and from school because of the massive vehicles trying to push their way through! Amy, Hutton Ten years ago, when we first moved to this area, I felt this village needed a bypass. The situation has hardly improved since then. Steve, Bristol Maybe it would help if there was a weight restriction to stop all the big lorries Geraldine, WSM As a resident of Banwell I do not support the local shops as I feel I am risking my life walking on the narrow pavement with the heavy lorries thundering by. The air quality in Banwell is very bad too. M.S., Banwell Driving through Banwell is terrible especially from Winscombe. It takes ages and means people try to push their way through. Jan, Axbridge I think the traffic congestion ion Banwell is appalling. There are far too many lorries and far too many cars. The situation has been made worse by the traffic flow. 4 way traffic lights should have been installed and a by-pass built many years ago. The situation will only get worse if nothing is done. A by-pass is vital. Sue, Congresbury A by-pass is long overdue. With ever increasing numbers of vehicles on the road, Banwell is becoming more and more grid-locked. Emergency vehicles are severely hampered. Banwell's roads were not built for this heavy traffic and buildings are being structurally damaged by the constant pounding of heavy goods vehicles. Malcolm, Congresbury Recently introduced speed bumps may well reduce the speed of through traffic but does little if anything to eliminate the congestion problem. In fact it probably now takes longer for the congestion to sort itself out. These speed bumps will eventually be found to have been a serious waste of public money once the bypass has been built as it must be. It can't take much longer for good common sense to prevail in the minds of the highway authorities. H, Uphill Build bypass for HGV drivers and buses,coachs Dan, WSM We lived in the area and our children attended Banwell School. It is a great village which would really benefit from a bypass Myriam, Switzerland My heartfelt thanks must go to our local authority whose tinkering with Banwell's traffic problems have made an extremely bad situation considerably worse. For many years the people of Banwell have had to cope with a growing problem of chaotic traffic movements through the village and have also had to put up with representation from councillors too pathetic to decide on a remedy. These councillors do not have to live with the daily congestion, pollution, dirt, angry drivers, massive lorries and damage to their buildings, they just waste their or should I say our money on some sticking plaster solution. I am nether an advocate of a bypass or the alternative of a proper traffic management solution but one or the other needs to be decided on and put into place so that the community of Banwell can put aside this blight on their village. What seems to happen in the Town Hall is that a new set of councillors is elected and the Banwell problem comes up. So the new governing body decides to tinker with a priority system or it may commission a study or put in some traffic calming measures, or protect the rout of a bypass in the local structure plan so that they can say look we have done something about the problem. The truth is they do the equivalent of nothing and they know very well that the solution they have chosen for this term is as useless as the last and they play this stupid political game to avoid making the hard decisions. This has been going on for thirty years and now we have the next bunch of self important councillors unable to take the difficult route and passing the problem to the next elected body to pass on. Very clever but I have to ask is there any point in electing people of any political persuasion who do nothing to alleviate the problems people are facing? Maybe why there is such political apathy from the electorate. Should Banwell elect a Mayor and impose a congestion zone? The village could collect money from the people abusing the village and do something about it ourselves. If yes I am happy to put my name forward. Our building is regularly hit, the pollution we have to put up with is appalling and the noise is beyond a joke. We erected steel bollards to stop lorries demolishing our wall for the third time so they demolished the bollards instead. Robert, Banwell Has the road narrowing erected in the narrows been designed with the conservation area in mind? In an area where we cannot put in double glazing or make changes to the appearance of our buildings the council come along with 5 tatty sleepers painted red and white a few bits of reflective plastic fitted at jaunty angles and a bit of orange fence. Fits in well! Robert, Banwell Whilst I do not live here I do visit regularly as my family is nearby. The bypass has been needed for years and is even more so now the traffic volumes have increased Julie, Hope Valley Have been driving thro Banwell for 30 years, but this latest traffic plan to speed things up is chaotic. Suggest traffic lights until bypass completed and no parking on main road thro village. RDF Worle I consider the current 'measures' totally inadequate, useless, and they in no way help to resolve the problem and therefore are a complete and utter waste of public funds. Mr L., Locking Castle I used to be stationed at RAF Locking back in the 60s and can remember then that there was a need for a bypass around Banwell. Forty years on and the traffic on our roads has increased not only in volume but in size! Banwell urgently needs a bypass NOW! Don, WSM I can't understand what the authorities can't see that is staring everyone else in the face. Banwell needs a bypass. It is a major bottleneck between WSM and the rest of the Mendips. Can Banwell at least have a 7.5 tonne weight limit to get rid of the HGVs? Paul, WSM I will hopefully be buying a property in Banwell and it would be a much nicer place if all the traffic was gone! Simon, Bedminster Work in Churchill, but live in Weston, if I try an alternate route, i.e. the A370 have to queue for 30 mins to get onto A370, going through Banwell sometimes a delay of 30 minutes, so frustrating!!! Christine, WSM How can it take so long for a bypass to be built? Why is it taking so long? There is no point in traffic calming systems when the traffic is usually at a standstill anyway. Mrs F , Locking I am a HGV class 2 driver and I certainly don't like going through Banwell because it too tight and narrow and when you get cars not leaving enough room to get past you can easily block the road for others. I would rather use a bypass but as it is now I can't go any other way. Paul, Melksham I think that if people were to stop parking outside the shops and use the large car park provided it would ease the congestion. I would like to support the Banwell bypass and would like to comment on the traffic calming measures, they are crap and don't work, they just seem to add to the congestion. A bypass is the only solution Roger WSM On Tuesday 7th Oct 2004, at around 9:45am, I needed to drive through Banwell into W-S-M for my weekly shopping at the supermarket. At that time on that day it took me over 45mins to pass through Banwell due to a HGV carrying some kind of port-a-cab getting stuck, this vehicle was at the time being escorted by the police. BYPASS BANWELL. It seems that whenever a HGV is in Banwell the traffic comes to a standstill. BYPASS BANWELL! Damian, Cheddar Banwell has always been a bottleneck as it is one of the few exit roads for Weston-super-Mare. A bypass is badly needed along with another motorway junction which was proposed many years ago. Roger WSM At present the situation through Banwell is not only dangerous to any pedestrian but a total health hazard to both children and adults. If they are promoting stopping smoking in public, then why are they allowing this dreadful pollution in Banwell? Ivor, Banwell Glad someone is standing up to stupidity! Banwell needs a bypass 20 years ago! Paul, Westbury-sub-Mendip Please please please can we have a bypass before our village crumbles completely! Nikki, Banwell The quality of life of residents and travellers will be greatly enhanced. You need look no further than Axbridge to see the tremendous benefits a bypass will bring. Alan, Axbridge Driving through Banwell is like driving through hell! Diana, Winscombe Banwell should have had a bypass many years ago. Pauline, BS24 Once the bypass is built, people will find it hard to believe that this pretty, quiet village used to be buried in heavy traffic. R.T, Berlin The present situation is blatantly unacceptable and, to occasional visitors to this community like myself, it is frankly bizarre that it goes on and on. The traffic is far too heavy for Banwell's tiny main road, and pedestrians who are less than fully alert are at conspicuous risk. Shame on those within whose gift it is to make this place a safer place for families to live. I wonder whether they are waiting for the situation to deteriorate before committing to a decision to spend money on a bypass. But we shouldn't have to wait for a few schoolkids to get run over by a juggernaut before an obvious decision like this can be made. Nicholas, London N4 I travel daily to work in Weston. I am a nurse and I witness constant stress involved in negotiating travel through Banwell: so many near accidents. The badly parked vehicles outside shops not using nearby car park. I have been "pinned" against the wall unable to get up Chapel Hill, my right of way, traffic not giving way! The recently placed "humps" afford no improvement just untold damage to cars. Safety! The zebra crossing is hidden as the surge of heavy traffic passes that is an accident waiting to happen! I have seen buses coming in both directions at the same time & heavy vehicles just plainly stuck & someone has to give way back down the line. I have been 30- 45 minutes getting through when is builds up. It has become a dreaded place to travel through. The alternative for me of route is extra mileage; it is becoming a need for safety! Jean, Axbridge As regular visitors to this village we have always been astounded by the volume of traffic Banwell has to tolerate and would never consider allowing our children to walk to the shops unsupervised. In fact we doubt we would walk to the shops here except in dire emergency, we would shop elsewhere, which does nothing to help the local economy of this lovely place. Sue, Saxmundham, Suffolk It's about time that North Somerset Council got their finger out and built the bypass, not the short sited proposal a few years ago, to bypass Banwell and move the problem a few miles up the road to Sandford, Winscombe and Churchill. What is needed is a bypass to run from Locking to the A38, and let all the local villages have a bit of peace and quiet. Good luck. Gordon, Winscombe We recently took a detour through Banwell to see the 'picturesque' village; we were appalled to see the amount of heavy traffic thundering through what we expected to be a quiet and tranquil place. I feel sorry for the people who have to live there, especially those with children who have to negotiate narrow unprotected pavements. Maggie, Bristol I visit this wonderful village regularly and think it absolutely criminal that heavy traffic, lorries etc are still going through and endangering people's lives and well-being. Banwell Bypass is essential. Shirley, Co. Durham Banwell can't go on like this! It is bad enough that Bristol is congested, but for a rural village to be blighted in this way is just madness. The very best of luck with your petition - and with the bypass. Jan, Bristol I travel through Banwell quite often and find it rather frustrating; there should have been a bypass years ago. Good luck with your petition. Mr L., Cheddar There is enough general traffic through Banwell let alone the heavy goods vehicles N.L., WSM Give Banwell a break! Alan, Wedmore I visit a friend who lives in Banwell and I've seen for myself how bad the traffic is. Renee, Bristol We use the road through Banwell on a regular basis. Not only is the road inadequate for the volume of traffic, which causes long delays, but also there are road safety issues which are not being addressed by the current roadworks. In addition the needs of residents must be addressed. Denise, Nottingham Sick and tired of the long queues, particularly when coming from Weston. Can easily tack another 20 minutes to any journey home. Must be a nightmare for the people living on the route. Congestion has become worse since the narrowing of the road with cones. Building a bypass would make the village a quaint and picturesque place. Mr A, Winscombe I came across many Banwell-type problems when writing on transport and environmental matters for The Guardian and later when producing television documentaries on traffic and road problems. My conclusion - traffic kills ancient villages and towns. The only answer is a bypass and I can produce masses of examples. Certainly planning law 1B will apply - a town shall expand unto its bypass - but so what? The stupid humps have achieved nothing on a street where 40 tonne lorries have their own traffic calming effects. A complete ban on parking in the village centre is the next inevitable step but what effect will that have on the shops? Let Banwell live again. Bypass it. Malcolm, Banwell It's a nightmare. It just took me 3/4 of an hour to get through because of traffic. Emma, WSM Banwell has needed a relief road for the last fifty years and a number of schemes have been put forward including ripping the middle out of the village to widen West Street. The latest plan is nothing but an excuse to build houses. What is needed is a relief road that also serves Sandford, Churchill and Winscombe. A bypass that serves just Banwell would be a waste of money. Geoff, Banwell A bypass is a "must have". Nick, WSM Weight limit through the village should be introduced as an interim measure and at low cost prior to any bypass. Chris, Upper Weare As a frequent visitor to my family who live in Banwell, I fully support the local bypass proposal. Local village life in Banwell is continually disrupted and put at risk by the traffic levels that pass through. As a father of a young child, I am also particularly worried when pushing a pram through the main village street, as traffic levels make this a dangerous activity. I urge North Somerset Council to submit a bid for a local bypass around Banwell as defined by the second deposit Local Plan 2004. Steven, Reading It's about time we had a bypass. Lorries shouldn't be allowed through our tiny village, the recent traffic calming humps are a joke! What is the point when the traffic is always at a standstill anyway due to the HGVs squeezing their way through? Chris, Banwell Having lived in the area for nearly 20 years, I believe a bypass would be a good idea!! Otherwise traffic lights might help. Lou, Bristol Yes it's a good Idea. The village would be lovely if it was urbanized. Robert, WSM I often used to pass through Banwell on my way to work in Bristol. The traffic was bad so I often "bypassed" by means of the back rod to the A370 which is quite hazardous. Having recently retired I find traffic is just as bad during the day. Anthony, Axbridge A bypass is needed now, not in 20years time. Half-baked dangerous schemes causing misery to residents and motorists alike. L, WSM I passed through your village on 3 occasions whilst holidaying in Weston this week. I have never seen such congestion, and believe it is totally wrong that vehicles are having to mount the pavements in order to pass each other. While accidents are less likely when traffic is moving so slowly, it would still be a grave concern if I was resident in your village. David, Newcastle upon Tyne I understand from farmers/landowners that a bypass for Banwell has been discussed since 1947! The so-called traffic calming measures now carried out are a disgrace on an A road. Just get on with it! I often go to Boulters for spares or travel to Weston to visit relatives and Banwell is in the way in my trip! Chris, Winford I have been travelling through Banwell for many years mainly a route to work & I must say that it takes at least half an hour extra on my journey each way. As this is a main road through to several main junctions I cannot believe through the years that the residents of Banwell have put up with it. If they think that a bypass is going to ruin their countryside well think how fast the houses in Weston & Worle are being built & before long it will be joined to Banwell & then they will definitely need a bypass. This has to be built the sooner the better. Jane, WSM To provide a strategy which dissuades drivers from driving through Banwell is an insult, not only to the residents of Banwell, but also to others like myself who have limited options (I have children at Churchill School). I have never encountered such aggressive behaviour by drivers on the roads, as displayed by those who are regularly trapped in the centre of Banwell. Commuters recklessly use the residential streets as short cuts, which must put pedestrians at great risk (not to mention the anger of others drivers who have waited patiently for yet another blockage of the main road). I understand that the health of the younger population of Banwell is also at risk (due to exhaust fumes). Placed in a similar position, I would not hesitate to move away from this danger. Surely a bypass would guarantee a safe future for the longevity of this pretty village and generations to come. Jennifer, Hutton I have travelled through Banwell to Weston-Super-Mare at least fortnightly over the past seven years; the congestion at Banwell has become worse and potentially extremely dangerous. Large container lorries and school buses still try to manoeuvre the junction at East Street and the narrow road through the village. Those living on this road must have no quality of life - just constant noise and fumes. A bypass is long overdue! Josephine, Ubley Frequent traveller to Banwell. much frustrated by traffic congestion in the narrows Allan, Chepstow Far too much traffic for such a quaint village. E.R., Woodville, Derbyshire How any sane person can not see that the bottle neck that is Banwell is long overdue for a bypass beggars belief. T.S., Saltash, Cornwall Very welcome. Bleadon was bypassed in the 1930's!! Jean, Bleadon My husband is a taxi driver in Weston and commutes daily. We both have our families in Weston and my husband was born and raised in Worle next to Weston. This is his only reasonable route to Weston and it holds him up on average 15 minutes per journey. We both fully support a bypass and would use it but we would still use the local shops. Michelle, Bath My support for a bypass is dependent on the precise route. Living on Winscombe Hill which is used as an informal bypass around Winscombe I would want to be sure that a Banwell by pass was not going to dump more traffic into Winscombe. The historic plan for the route for the by pass which would take traffic from north of Banwell to the A38 just east of Sidcot would in my view be best. Incidentally I am secretary of the Church Road and Winscombe Hill Road Safety group which has been campaigning for traffic calming on our roads for six years so far without success Paul, Winscombe Banwell is a nightmare to get through at most times of the day. We need a bypass. Dean, Hutton Let's just get on with it and bin the procrastination! B.A., Banwell My family use your village to get to school, work and access for leisure. Although perhaps necessary for safety reasons, the latest round of barrier installations and ramps have made your village ugly. Good luck in your endeavours to get a bypass and restore Banwell to its former glory. Julie, Hutton The continuous damage created by the excessive volume of traffic, with no control over the weight and size of the vehicles, is a visual and structural disaster. P.P., London SW17 There's too much congestion in the centre of Banwell. Jane, Shipham Good luck with the campaign. The situation in Banwell is becoming a health hazard - one of the reasons that we moved away! Debbie, Bream Having spent most of my working life travelling through Banwell (almost 40 years) I have probably wasted at least a year of it in traffic jams here. Now working for a coach company that relies on passing through Banwell (eventually) to access much of our work at Churchill School, I am amazed that people from Redhill, Blagdon etc have recently been able to influence an enquiry into the Banwell bypass scheme, when THEY have alternatives. A new road to bypass Banwell is about 30 years overdue. It has to happen sometime soon. Why are the "powers that be" so reluctant to spend OUR money when they waste it on so many ridiculous projects? Carol, WSM Took the road to Banwell in our camper van, oblivious to the problem until we hit a long traffic queue. Absolutely appalled at the situation, which is totally unacceptable. There is clearly no solution other than a bypass. In the mean time an access-only notice on approach roads would seem the only sensible interim measure. Such a notice or some other warning would certainly have prevented us (including Australian friends - equally appalled and amazed) from adding to the problem, to say nothing of our own annoyance. Yours in disgust Ken, Reading The only solution to the traffic/noise/pollution/damage to the structure of the village of Banwell is a bypass. Why has it taken so long? Mr D., Banwell I've lived in the area for 23 years and, having witnessed the relentless deterioration in Banwell's traffic flow, I agree wholeheartedly with your excellent site that doing nothing is no longer an option. More power to your collective elbows! Ian, Winscombe Save Banwell and provide an alternative for traffic. Katrina, WSM A bypass would make the centre of the village a useable space again and not just a car park W, Upper Langford This village is in desperate need of a bypass to prevent any further damage to its listed buildings and improve the quality of life for its residents C.L., Evesham If places such as Wells and Street can have a bypass, or in the case of Wells a dog's dinner of a relief road, then Banwell is a very important case to consider. Although how anyone can not see the need for a bypass here. Good luck with your efforts to make someone, somewhere take notice. I would suggest that the idiots in County Hall who are not supportive be made to drive through Banwell morning and evenings, every day until it seeps into their brains that something is not quite right. If that doesn't work move higher up the food chain. Tony, Wells 12 hrs of gridlock per day very imminent. Graham, WSM Banwell urgently needs a Bypass - traffic noise and pollution is dire. Mrs D., Banwell I use the road through Banwell to work every day, as the A38 is a better road than the A370. Banwell is a lovely place but it cannot take the amount of traffic passing through it, especially the lorries and Coaches. They are just too big! Also when the M5 is closed due to accidents, which seems to be a regular occurrence, the route through Banwell is the only route out of Weston. Give the people of Banwell a safe place to live and stop Weston being cut off from the rest of the world! No in years to come but now before someone gets killed. Ian, WSM We have just moved to the area having lived abroad (USA & Holland) for six years. Back to UK traffic nonsense. It's hard to believe that the residents of Banwell have to put up with this daily awful congestion and pollution. To get to Weston, M5 and the fantastic shopping facilities in the area we have to drive through Banwell but quite honestly it would be easier to go elsewhere. Deborah, Winscombe I am so pleased to discover that Banwell Parish Council is campaigning for a bypass. I am a former Churchill Parish Councillor, and have been involved with the TMTV initiative of local villages which, you will obviously know, was established following the recent BATS study and has been campaigning for traffic management within Banwell and elsewhere rather than new road building. In principle, I am sure most enlightened people would applaud the good intentions of TMTV, in that its chief goal has been to stop HGVs from using our area as a cut-through. However, having lived in Banwell for the past 6 months, it is clear to me that as an entirely separate issue from that of HGV traffic, the village of Banwell still urgently needs a bypass (regardless of whether HGVs are banned from using the area as a whole). Another point that seems worthy of mention here is the supposed installation of a 'traffic management' scheme in Banwell by North Somerset Council - which was campaigned for by TMTV and many Banwell residents. The Council has now installed their much-awaited traffic management scheme, yet it seems they have misinterpreted the term 'traffic management' to mean 'traffic calming'. The new ramps are patently not going to stop HGVs or any other traffic from using the village as a cut-through, but instead will simply slow vehicles down... if they were moving in the first place. It would seem that North Somerset's view of traffic management is based on the premise that if they make a journey as unpleasant and time-consuming as possible to road users, then people will use another route. This isn't traffic management. It's simple stupidity. What the area as a whole needs is proper traffic management, complete with HGV/weight restrictions and declassification of roads from being part of the recommended national freight network. What Banwell as a village needs is a bypass... and a County Council that cares for the quality of life of thousands of its inhabitants. Best of luck with the campaign! David, Banwell. For gods sake GET IT SORTED! R.D., WSM Having lived in the area for just over two years I find Banwell to be the worst bottleneck / traffic jam ever encountered anywhere in the UK. A bypass is desperately needed and would be an environmentally sound solution, as traffic would be kept moving. Tim Tur, Axbridge My sister lives in Banwell and on every visit I am increasingly appalled at the traffic levels. I live in London and the traffic is not nearly as bad. The idea that speed bumps will do anything but frustrate is beyond belief and such a waste of money. Nick, London I am a local person living in Winscombe for 9 years. If it were not for the low railway bridge at Winscombe, we would also suffer the same fate as Banwell so I am pleased to support Banwell residents and their campaign. The problem is getting worse and the delays longer with regular hold ups with HGVs unable to pass or actually jamming themselves against the buildings. If the road cannot be taken off the PRN (although surely there are other more suitable routes - longer but not excessively so) - A bypass is necessary. It is interesting to note that when the Sandford Road was temporarily closed due to gasworks a couple of years back and HGVs were temporarily re-routed. The problem was dramatically reduced and I would support the immediate ban of HGVs until the bypass can be built. Will common sense prevail - I hope so. Sarah, Winscombe Banwell has desperately needed a bypass for the last forty years but it has been all talk and no action. J.O.Hutton Many villages will petition for the right for a bypass on the basis of preference, disruption, inconvenience, quality of life etc. Whilst these reasons are emotive and valid for each individual within a neighbourhood, it is clear that whilst these reasons will be argued in favour of a bypass for Banwell, they contribute to the argument but do not in isolation allow a strong basis for qualification. The unique situation surrounding Banwell is its physicality. If the objective is to stream traffic through from A to B then it is clear that Banwell simply does not have the infrastructure to facilitate this requirement. The village is too narrow and causes traffic jams regardless of vehicle size at virtually any time of day. In more global terms this sits against every principle factored into effective logistics where time (as well as fuel economy) is a significant factor worthy of economic consideration. In short logic must prevail, the village is too tight to manage the volumes of traffic required and it is my honest belief that the revenues generated by relieving Banwell with a bypass will in time alleviate the cost. These (obvious) savings to local and national business compliment perfectly my subjective feelings of the big lorries being a complete pain in the ass. Marcus, Banwell Banwell could be an idyllic village.... it already has the right ingredients: community spirit, beautiful countryside, local facilities (school, shops, pubs!), character buildings.... but all this counts for nothing if you dread going anywhere near the place because of the congestion, pollution and danger from having to navigate your way through the centre of the village. Who is the council trying to kid putting in the recent traffic "calming" measures such as the speed bumps? Stop skirting around the issue and build the bypass...for everyone's sake! Bryan, Locking I am sometimes asked to collect our grandchildren from school and cannot remember a time when I have been able to drive straight through Banwell. Life must be impossible for those using the road more frequently than I do, and for the inhabitants. If no heavy vehicles used this road, it would transform the situation. I do hope you manage to get a bypass. Mrs. S., Pewsey, Wilts A by-pass would also be a fabulous opportunity to rejuvenate Banwell - its shops and services would be so much more accessible to its residents and those of the surrounding villages. Having recently moved to Winscombe, I would love to have a wander around the historic centre of Banwell but the horrendous traffic completely precludes this. Adele, Winscombe Driving through Banwell during rush hour is the most horrendous start or end to the day. You can easily be in a queue for 15 mins to travel only a few hundred yards. On top of this due to the narrow roads, it is totally unsafe for pedestrians to walk along the paths as cars and buses continually mount the pavement. Banwell is a lovely village but the nightmare road situation makes it renowned only for the traffic. Alli, Banwell There are now six humps. I go over them as slow as I can, but my car suspension makes horrible noises. If this is broken, will the Local Authority pay for the damage? Mrs F. Winscombe The BATS study proposed 2 routes north of the village for a bypass. The objectors appeared to be NIMBYS living in Dinghurst Road, Churchill, Station Road Sandford, and Towerhead who feared more vehicles might pass their properties. Traffic calming measures should have been implemented over a year ago and by now found to be ludicrous and the bid for finance should have been submitted this year rather than next. Who knows what will happen now as there is to be a General Election next year. The fact remains that Banwell urgently needs to be bypassed and I have held this opinion ever since I moved to this area 30 years ago. William, Langford My journey to work takes twice as long as it did. Also one person swerved to avoid the ramps and narrowly missed me. This has also happened to my dad. R.C., Winscombe It gets worse. Why the humps? Things need speeding up not slowing down. Would a traffic light system at peak times be a better answer at least it would avoid the jams and keep things moving. I have lived in the area over 30 years and must have wasted hours sitting in Banwell. This must be the most congested village in the UK and top of the list for a bypass. Graham, Sandford What is it going to take to show some common sense? Does someone have to get killed? It's not rocket science. Just build a bypass! Daniel, Banwell I have been travelling through Banwell regular for almost 25 years. That the road should be used as a major route is so ridiculous that one has to laugh sometimes. It has to be experienced to be believed. John, WSM Banwell needs this. As a police constable in the local area for 10 years although now retired, I have had to deal with many collisions, near collisions and road blocked due to two HGV's/PSV's trying to pass in the very narrow streets. This has caused mayhem and should be rectified by the building of a bypass. PC. D., Near WSM, Banwell must be the worst traffic congested village in the country. And is well overdue for a by-pass. It is not only us Banwell residents that have the problem moreover, anyone who has to regularly travel though Banwell to hopefully get to the other side. David, Godfrey Long needed R.B.Locking Traffic calming is not the solution as traffic is already at a virtual standstill. Local traffic is not the volume of the problem. Location of Banwell is a main link route for the surrounding 10-15 miles. A by-pass is the solution and can be done tastefully to enhance the environment and wildlife ie. tree planting, badger underpasses etc. After much opposition, the Newbury by-pass has been a great success with more trees planted than originally removed with nature reserves planned and maintained. Banwell people need to be listened to and our citizens need to feel safe on the pavements instead of the fear of being hit by car wing mirrors or forced out of the way by pavement mounted vehicles. Colette, Banwell I have lived in Hutton for 8 years and travel daily to work at Langford. The traffic through Banwell has increased to such a level that it is only possible to arrive at work on time by leaving home earlier and earlier. The current traffic calming measures are totally unnecessary - especially the ridiculously high ramp by the school crossing, and have created more problems than they have resolved. A bypass would give the village back its rural character and enable the villagers to live without the constant threat of noxious traffic fumes. J.T., Hutton I travel through Banwell from Locking to Winscombe every day to take my children to Sidcot. On the first day of school I left home at 8.10 to ensure the children were not late for the 8.50 start. Due to a lorry hitting the back of a bus (that is what I was told was the delay) my children were 20 minutes late for school. I have to get my children up around 30 minutes earlier than is necessary for a journey of just 7 miles because I do not know when we will encounter a significant delay in Banwell. A bypass is badly needed. Alison, Locking Once again NE Somerset has squandered thousands of pounds on a total waste of time by trying to slow down the already crawling traffic through the village. They have once again showed their stupidity and refusal to listen to the populace. William, Banwell Stop the Lorries! Lorna, Banwell The traffic situation has got worse in the last 6 months. There is often a disregard for the priority signs on the hill which causes a bottleneck further along. It is just an accident waiting to happen at rush hour with all the children walking to and from school with all the traffic. Helen, Clevedon That road is absolutely ridiculous. It's hard enough for two cars to pass, let alone a couple of HGVs. People have been talking of having a bypass since I was a child and I cannot believe nothing has ever been done. Is it going to take a serious accident/injury before something is done? Philip, High Littleton, Bristol I use this route regularly and feel for the people of Banwell. It badly needs a bypass if it is to remain a main A road John, BS26 I often travel from Wells to Weston Super Mare and Banwell desperately needs another alternative to the chaos through their village. Dee, Wells This village route is a farce. It took me 45 mins to get from Worle to Winscombe the other morning at 8 45am. And I was on my way to my dentists in wells at 9 30: I ended up 20 mins late. I say BYPASS BANWELL NOWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nick, Worle This must be at least 50 years overdue Mr D., Hutton Banwell is a nightmare to drive through. Freda, Hutton It is a joke when you are stuck for hours as two large lorries are passing down the narrow streets pumping fumes into Banwell Emma, Hewish The sooner the better!!! D.K., Banwell A by-pass is long overdue! Best of luck. Gill, Draycott, Cheddar The yellow lines outside the shops and post office are excellent, mind you that was first suggested more than ten years ago. The bumps are acceptable but do little to help, as for the narrowing of West Street that must have been thought up by a complete idiot! Kenneth, Banwell How this issue has not been addressed before now is beyond belief. You would have to search very hard to find a more deserving case for a by-pass as Banwell. Trevor, St.Georges We have been living in this area for the past thirty years, using the road through Banwell at least once every week. Banwell needed a bypass back in 1974 but conditions are much worse now. The volume of traffic is far heavier, while HGVs have increased enormously in size. No community should be expected to endure the noise, the health risks caused by exhaust gases, the dirt and the sheer physical danger of huge vehicles in narrow steep streets. It is more than time for a proper solution which will restore a human dimension to this ancient and historic Somerset village. Angela, Axbridge The traffic is crazy, how can the people of Banwell live normal lives with the traffic madness. Allan, WSM I frequently travel through this lovely village either to, or from, work in Bath... even though I know it will take me up you 35 minutes to get through it! I see that there are two problems here, not one. But hopefully a bypass would also cure the 2nd problem of freeing up parking space so that I can finally sample the butcher shop that advertises mouth watering sausages! What has to be more important though are the people who live there; some will remember the night a sleepy lorry driver who drove into one of the buildings (no, it wasn't me... but I know him). It must be a total nightmare for the locals who live there. My vote is for the bypass, and I hope whoever is setting this up gets in touch with Points West, and all the other local media to help gain further support. Dave, WSM Keep the village safe and move the road. Ray, Burnham on Sea I travel through Banwell every day to get to work and to carry out my job visiting clients on behalf of North Somerset Education Authority. Like many other, I have no alternative but to use my car as my job could not be done any other way. I find the journey unnecessarily stressful and my clients suffer from the delays caused by traffic congestion. Christine, Sandford Something needs to be done, it is currently a nightmare. Andy, WSM The sooner the better, the recent traffic calming measures are a complete waste of taxpayers money and will achieve nothing positive Alex. BS25 I feel this is a well worth while cause and, having spent some time in Banwell, I know how bad the traffic problem is. I support the cause of a bypass before a tragedy occurs. Debbie, New Zealand The road through Banwell, given that it is a main 'A' trunk route, is absurd and, now that 'traffic calming' measures are in place and there are two points where only one vehicle can pass, it is even more so. It may have served the purpose in the old days of horses and carts, but today it is a nightmare all through the year. A bypass is the only solution which makes sense. Smaller problems have been resolved by bypasses. Mrs C., Winscombe About time - have waited 40 mins to travel less than 1 mile - what must be the impact on the environment. Hamish, Yatton Everybody who regularly drives through Banwell knows how desperately we need the bypass. The provision was only deferred at the last Council meeting by a petition mainly from people who thought (mistakenly) that the value of their properties would fall, if the bypass runs near their houses. It was stated in the meeting, that "there was a marked similarity in the writing found on the petition" suggesting to me that many signatories were forgeries. Let's regain sanity and build a bypass before the village disappears in smog. T. & V. N., Banwell I use this route to go to and from work everyday, and get held up for quite a while. Rachel, Locking Castle The amount of time I get held up for in the morning is ridiculous. Tara/Carine, WSM Absolutely agree that a bypass is necessary before someone is killed. I filled in comments to the road planning people regarding the pathetic 'traffic calming' measures that have recently been cobbled-up. The problem is not one of slowing or calming traffic, it is one of getting the vehicles out of the village for good. Unless something is done our village will never be a place where people can meet during the day and we are waiting for a fatality to get us the priority we need. Dave, Banwell AS we have to come through Banwell to get to our village Winscombe - it would be much easier if we did not have to go directly through the centre of the village and all the delays and frustration that it causes as well as the pollution. It seems the obvious solution to build a bypass and we can not understand why it has not been done a long time ago. Helen, Winscombe Getting through Banwell on the rare occasions I encounter no traffic only takes a minute. When the traffics bad it can take up to 20minutes or even on one occasion half an hour. Grant, WSM Me, I go to Churchill, so have to go through Banwell. It would be better without so much traffic. We wouldn't be so late all the time. Emma, Weston Every morning I am stuck in the traffic jams in Banwell, I go to Churchill school on the bus and we are always caught in the middle of a load of traffic. We would make it to school in much better time if we didn't actually need to go through Banwell. Kate, Hutton Sick of traffic in Banwell Paul Ay....don't be a dry bread. Tom, WSM Heavy goods vehicles through Banwell should be banned! A bypass is the only solution. Nick, Sandford I drove through Banwell for the first time yesterday since the new TM measures have been put in place. Coming from Sandford, I stopped at the first speed bump (I was travelling at less than 5 mph!) and it took me 35 minutes to get to the shops at the bottom of the Narrows. I was given a leaflet by one of your local residents, who remarkably apologised for the delay, as if it was his fault!! The residents of Banwell deserve better, they need a bypass and so do the thousands of motorist that use this route daily. Lee,WSM Make route B not A. Remove all parking at every entrance to village. Ban ALL lorries and buses except local bus and school bus as a temporary measure until a bypass is built. This would not cost much: only 3 signs. Mr & Mrs P., Locking Banwell sucks Bobby, WSM Probably most comments airing our protestations have already been written. However here is a question that most people including our 'lasser faire' parish/county councillors will certainly not have the answer. In what year was it recognised that Banwell would eventually have a traffic problem that would degenerate into the chaos we now experience. Answer: The same year Hitler invaded Poland. This information has been provided by a very respectable elderly lady who has lived in Banwell most of her life. Obviously it must be put into the right perspective; however it does highlight the fact that all councils regardless of political colour have ignored this serious problem over the past 65 years. Reg, Banwell I frequently drive through Banwell and must say that a bypass is urgently needed. Des, Paulton, Bristol In the Weston mercury this week, a lady stated that if we had a bypass then the shops would close and the village would die like Axbridge. If she had been here for any length of time she would know that as the traffic has increased the shops have decreased. The passing trade has done just that, passed by because motorists dare not stop in Banwell; it is difficult to get out of or into a car or rejoin the stream of traffic. in other places that have been bypassed they have found that trade has actually increased, if there is room to stop then motorists will divert from the bypass in order to visit the shops that they need. The village will not die but it would be nice if it was returned to the residents. Mike, Banwell This is desperately needed Alison, Winscombe An excellent idea!! Andrew, Winscombe We need a bypass because of the sheer volume of traffic, it is a nightmare driving home at rush hour and the pollution is really bad when just walking to the shop. Often when walking along the narrow bit cars brush past you when they are trying to squeeze through! Cheryl, Banwell I have to drive through every day and my car got written off by a Bakers Dolphin coach who couldn't fit through the gap. It's only a matter of time before something worse happens. Felicity, Banwell This is long overdue and should also include Winscombe which is also rapidly becoming a large traffic jam! Catherine, Winscombe Although I have a Birmingham address, I am based in Cheddar during the week and am a regular user of this route and can sympathise with the residents - Banwell needs this bypass! Steve, Sutton Coalfield Make me No 500! E.R, Locking I have to travel through Banwell twice every day, to and from work - the speed bumps are making my life a misery and the new narrowing at the bottom of the hill is ridiculous! There is always a queue and it can take 15 minutes to get from The Whistling Duck to Banwell Castle. Travel at speed through Banwell??? I'd love to... Pam, WSM It's about time they built a bypass. It makes my journey to work every day a nightmare. S., Oldmixon, WSM I have experienced frequent delays in Banwell despite passing through at 'off-peak' times. In the rush hour it becomes a virtual no-go area. Good luck with the campaign and don't give up! Louise, Winscombe I constantly use Banwell and spend a lot of my time in a very very slow moving line of traffic. The fumes must be very heavy. Traffic will get worse and the only solution is a bypass. Traffic measures will not help or solve the problem. Paul, Bleadon, WSM Why waste money on these so-called traffic-calming devices - can anyone go at speed through Banwell? Joy, Winscombe Having resided in West Street. Banwell where the almighty traffic problem is I feel that it is about time that the powers that be took notice, cut the RED TAPE and pulled out all the stops to get this sorted out once and for all. This problem in Banwell has been with us for decades. How on earth could the highways authority, planners, environmental offices and the darned COUNCILS possibly allow a situation like that at Banwell to get so out of hand? So it seems to be down to money as always. I could swear about that and use the most profound language to express my heartfelt grief that these so-called bodies who manage our road systems have not dealt with this issue as they should have sensibly done so long ago. When I resided there in Banwell West Street, I campaigned myself to get something done about the hoped-for bypass. Always the excuse was "Can't afford it". Hence now the cost would be astronomical. Why Oh why didn't they build that bypass before WW2 when it was first talked about. If there was a need for a bypass then, there sure as hell is a need now. People who have to go through Banwell are horrified when they meet such huge queues of traffic in front of them waiting an aeon to get through the village on their way from or to their places of employment etc. I can only give MY WHOLE HEARTED SUPPORT to any move to get that darned bypass a reality instead of so much gas, it has been round and round and round for far too long. The authorities MUST ACT NOW!!!!!!!!! From John who lived in West Street for 30 of his 50 years in Banwell where I was born and raised. Good luck to all campaigners. John, WSM Either bypass Banwell village or close the main road permanently to lorries. Lucy, Worle Long overdue, or do we have to wait for a fatality? A.M., Banwell Traffic is the one draw back to living in an otherwise nice place, I find I have to leave early for work to stand any chance of getting out of School close; certain times of day one may as well not even try! Please don't wait for someone to be killed here before you act! Kay, Banwell Thirty-nine years ago I drove through Banwell, the traffic was bad and there were campaign signs fighting for a bypass then. I moved to Weston Super Mare in 1974 and again no improvement and traffic bad. Now in 2004the situation is appalling. The residents require a bypass now, as life living in Banwell must be intolerable. It's about time North Somerset Council got off their backsides and helped the people of Banwell, and the motorists that have to drive through the village. Mr B.L.,WSM Everyday we doubt the wisdom of buying a house on the other side of such a traffic bottleneck. It is difficult to get elderly people and children across the rod to the Methodist Church. I have never seen cars speeding where the humps have been placed. They speed along Wolvershill Road. The traffic calming must have cost a fortune!! Rev. P., Winscombe Do hope that your campaign is successful. Peter, Sandford Why is it that local government gets away with inactivity on such an important issue for 50 years?? It would never be allowed in the commercial sector. Peter, Wrington THE TRAFFIC IS HORRENDOUS AND CAN KILL. James, Banwell Banwell is too busy and school children have to get up to early to get to school and there still too late so they are missing their education. Luke, St. Georges I DESPISE THE TRAFFIC. Mandy, Banwell Been driving through here for 17 years and it has got worse and worse. If we can't have a bypass, could we have traffic lights, as most people are very selfish about giving way? I would happily drive a few miles further to avoid a jam. As much as extra buses would help, we all travel to / from different places, so there will never be enough buses with enough frequency Chris, WSM The introduction of speed bumps is a reprehensible waste of public money. Speed is not the issue. There is already enough congestion in the village and a by-pass is necessary for the comfort and sanity of both residents and motorists. Sarah, Bladgon Bypass desperately needed by residents and people travelling through Banwell. Rowena, Worle Please, just build the bypass. Alastair, Cross A by-pass for Banwell has been talked about for at least 30 years, to my knowledge. Nobody that I know enjoys going to Banwell; it is just a place that has to be endured on the way to Weston. Isn't it time that Banwell reverted to a place that the residents could be proud of! Paul, Cheddar I live in the village of Barford where we have upwards of 16,000 vehicles a day pass through. I have had a car crushed by a speeding lorry, and my neighbours lost 2 that way! A bypass is planned for us fortunately, but it cannot come soon enough. You have my vote and my sympathy. Tim, Barford, Warwickshire For the last 23 years people have been telling me that Banwell is going to get a bypass, I used to believe it. Good Luck I think you will all need it and then I can stop being a part of the problem and bypass your lovely if somewhat grubby Village Robert, Knowle The situation is absurd and a bypass is long past due for this poor village. Penny, Axbridge It is sometimes a small nuisance driving through but for those living in Banwell itself, it must be intolerable Rich, Cross Banwell is now a joke as far as traffic is concerned, did any thought go into the consequences of the traffic calming? Measures such as increased pollution from the now nearly stationary traffic? What a stupid idea and a complete waste of public money it has been so far-why not put the money to good use and build a bypass. Sod the NIMBYs (the "not in my backyard") they deserve everything they get. Brian, Langford We moved to the village in 1977 and I did the bypass thing then for a number of years. I stood in the narrows and took vehicle numbers, counted cars and heavy goods vehicles, walked across the road outside the school over and over again to get a zebra crossing when our then lollipop lady was very nearly run over by a car whose driver told her it was legal for him to run her over as there was not a zebra crossing there and many more things. None of these things worked because we are too far away from Bristol for anyone to care and heavy goods vehicles equals big business equals more influence with government departments than ordinary citizens. Having said that I will again go to bat for a quieter cleaner village. Sandra, Banwell As a regular user of this road it is a complete bottle neck. It has just taken me half hour to get from the Whistling Duck to the end of Banwell R.S., Norton Radstock This is not a route for heavy vehicles or white van man. John, Locking Astonished at the stupidity of local government. Shirley, Locking Sat in a traffic jam for an hour today. Is this what the 'authority' means to do? Jean, Bishopsworth, Bristol The expensive traffic calming measures seem to be doing nothing. Lorries drive over then at the same speed as before. All the bollards seem to be doing is to cause a tail back on all roads. Is this traffic management or traffic confusion? Kathleen, Penryn, Cornwall Traffic calming measures cannot sort out the traffic mess in Banwell. Allowing this level of traffic in such a narrow main high street is asking for accidents to happen. It's a lovely village with a thriving community and it's being spoilt by this situation. How can any council and/or government let this carry on? SAVE BANWELL, BUILD A BYPASS!!! Matilda, Banwell The council stating they have to install traffic calming so they can prove that it doesn't work so they can have a bypass is the most ridiculous thing and waste of money I have ever heard of from N. Somerset council - and that's saying something! John, WSM We're right behind you Lorna, Banwell It's a nightmare visiting my parents who live in Banwell Sean BS48 I have driven through (is driven the correct word?) Banwell almost daily, now slightly less frequently, for the past few years. During my many hours spent in traffic jams I have come up with a suggestion that I have not seen aired elsewhere. Build a new junction on the M5 where it crosses the A38 (Bridge already there). Put sign on M5 stating now HGVs through Banwell - access directly to A38 at Junction 21A (New one suggested above). Thus far fewer, if any, HGVs through the village. This will also cut car traffic as people living in