Westcotes Drive traffic management

Overview

An Experimental Traffic Order (ETR) was introduced in January to combat the problem of speeding traffic and rat-running on Westcotes Drive. The ETR includes the prohibition of entry for all vehicles (except cyclists) into Westcotes Drive from Hinckley Road.  

Previously, residents had complained of damage to vehicles and near misses involving vehicles using Westcotes Drive and Braunstone Avenue as a short cut to reach Fullhurst Avenue from Hinckley Road, without having to travel via Wyngate Drive.

The ETR restriction has improved conditions on Westcotes Drive, and also provided the council with the opportunity to develop a quiet area for a memorial for the victims of the Hinckley Road explosion in 2018.

However, this measure has caused displacement of some south-bound rat-running vehicles to take alternative routes via Dunster Street / Taunton Road, and Dulverton Road. This in turn has led to a number of objections to the closure.  

In order to address objectors’ concerns about the displaced traffic, a number of different traffic management measures have been proposed. We would like to hear your views on these proposals.

Aligned to this scheme is a proposal to include the area in the council’s programme of 20mph schemes. A separate consultation will be held on this proposal towards the end of the year.