THE controversial new transport system in Weymouth has been recognised with a national award.

The Weymouth Showcase Programme, which has been designed to try to improve the traffic flow during the Olympic Games this summer, was awarded Scheme of the Year by the Intelligent Transport Society (ITS).

The Dorset County Council project promotes the use of online and electronic systems to ease congestion, such as displays for bus users.

Work to implement the scheme caused gridlock in Weymouth for months and disrupted businesses.

County councillor Peter Finney, cabinet member for transport, said: “Through the good work of our officers, we have achieved this award despite being one of the lowest spending highways authorities in the UK.

“This programme is going to make a huge difference to people’s travel. It’s a great opportunity for the people of Weymouth to experience 21st century travel.”

But residents and business owners remain sceptical about the advantages of the new system.

The Weymouth Showcase Programme aims to complement the Transport Package that, two years ago, sparked traffic chaos when traffic lights replaced roundabouts at several junctions in the town centre.

Robbie Feltham of the Kingswood Bed and Breakfast on Rodwell Road, said: “I’m absolutely staggered the council has won an award for this mess.

“It was a total waste of money, because the roundabouts worked perfectly well.

“I suppose anything that helps public transport is a good thing, but how many people really use the buses?”

And Martin Burville, of Elwell Guesthouse, also on Rodwell Road, said: “I don’t think it works.

“Buses come down our road every ten minutes, so why would you need a sign saying that there will be a bus in ten minutes?”

He added: “The bus lanes are dangerous, because people try to overtake when they are driving up the hill. I’ve seen a number of near accidents just there.

“And if you’re a driver, it takes up to three times as long to get down the road to Asda.”

Around 60,000 visitors per day are expected to flock to Weymouth and Portland at the height of the Games in August, and Dorset County Council, who are responsible for the highways, hopes the new system will drive forward economic development in the town.

But the ongoing road works have caused misery for businesses.

Alison Scrivin, of Thyme Out cafe on Great George Street, said: “It was a nightmare when all the road works were going on.

“It’s not as bad now from a business perspective, though I still feel the new system will put holidaymakers and locals off coming into the town centre.

“It just takes so long to get everywhere, and I don’t see that changing.

“If people don’t have to come into town then they won’t.”

Package is praised for its ‘intelligent’ design

The judges at the award highlighted different elements of the transport package that set it out as a winning design, including:

• The signalisation at critical junctions to optimise traffic flow

• Real-time passenger information with visual and audio displays on buses and at bus stops

• Intelligent bus priority at traffic signals

• Variable message signs guiding drivers to available parking spaces

• Strategic variable message signs on the approach roads

• Air quality monitoring system

• CCTV cameras to monitor traffic flows