A list of things which could improve Bridgwater for residents and visitors alike has been drawn up by the town council.

Councillor Glen Burrows, presented a series of recommendations at a town council meeting on Thursday (August 1).

The council stated the measures work towards "building a strategy for transport for the town" as developed through meetings of the Town Transport Forum.

Her recommendations ranged from car travel, air pollution, buses, the future of Bridgwater Docks and pedestrian safety.

The recommendations were "accepted unanimously" by the members of the council and will be reviewed again at a later date.

More electric vehicle charging ports

An electric car plugged into a charging port in a car park.
An electric car plugged into a charging port in a car park.

The town council aims to investigate how to install more electric vehicle charging points across Bridgwater at existing and new developments.

This would be a welcome move for drivers of electric cars as Zap-Map reports the town has a lack of electric vehicle charging ports.

Cheaper/free car parking at Bridgwater Station

Outside Bridgwater railway station
Outside Bridgwater railway station

Work to improve the car park at Bridgwater Station is currently ongoing but the town council is exploring another change - its prices.

The town council wants to consult with Great Western Railway over the possibility of introducing either reduced or free car parking at the railway station.

Somerset Labour states this measure also aims to "reduce pressure on parking in the vicinity of the station".

Plans to tackle air pollution

Bridgwater Town Council are concerned about air pollution in the carnival town
Bridgwater Town Council are concerned about air pollution in the carnival town

One of the approved recommendations is to introduce lower thresholds for measurement of emissions from fuel, rubber tyres and braking.

A council spokesman said this is in "the interests of the health of our community".

Councillors want to create a campaign to encourage local people to reduce the number of car journeys they make.

Sedgemoor District Council previously conducted tests into air pollution in 2018 after the town experienced heavy traffic, road works and increased lorry deliveries to Hinkley Point C.

Limiting use of single use plastics

The country has seen a wave of measures to curb single use plastics
The country has seen a wave of measures to curb single use plastics

Bridgwater Town Council has stated it is "committed to taking leadership on tackling the plastic waste problem" and aim to reduce using single use plastics.

The authority aims to work with staff and volunteers to ban the use of single use plastics across its own operations and services, find positive solutions for reducing "unnecessary waste plastic" and promote initiatives to reduce plastic usage in the town.

Bridgwater Town Council has listed three commitments:

  • Eliminate all non-reusable or non-recyclable single use plastics from all properties and activities related to Bridgwater Town Council
  • Reduce use of plastics where possible
  • Recycle plastics and other recyclable materials where possible

Exploring ways to deter or prevent cars from certain streets

The council will investigate the possibility of introducing modal filters, a way of limiting access, in the streets leading to schools.

Councillors want to examine ways to deter or prevent cars from driving on those streets at the beginning and end of the school day.

Electronic timetables at bus stops

Bus stops in Bridgwater could get an upgrade in the future
Bus stops in Bridgwater could get an upgrade in the future

With the help of Sedgemoor District Council, the town council aims to introduce electronic timetables at Bridgwater Bus Station.

Electronic timetable information will also be introduced at other major bus stops in the town.

Secure the ownership of Bridgwater Docks

Bridgwater Docks in the snow
Bridgwater Docks in the snow

Bridgwater Town Council said it aims to "work closely" with local organisations to ensure that Bridgwater Docks remains in "public hands" when Canal & River Trust's lease from Somerset County Council expires in 2020.

Councillors will also explore ways the docks area can maintained and developed as "a major local tourist attraction".

Improve pedestrian access and safety

Bridgwater town centre
Bridgwater town centre

Along with Sedgemoor District Council, councillors hope to examine pedestrian spaces in Bridgwater to judge their access and safety.

Councillors want to focus to be particularly on the needs of elderly and disabled people.

What happens now to the policies

Bridgwater Town Hall
Bridgwater Town Hall

Councillors at Bridgwater Town Council will discuss the policies at the next Transport Forum meeting.

The meeting will assess how to act on policies directly, develop strategies on other policies and create new council ideas.

This will be held on Tuesday, September 10 at 4pm at Bridgwater Town Hall.

What do you think of the ways to improve Bridgwater? Got a Bridgwater, Taunton or West Somerset news story for me? Is there an issue you want me to investigate?

Get in touch: michael.taylor@reachplc.com, tweet @JournoMikeT or call 01935 709742.               

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