AT LAST moves are being made to resolve the current disastrous road network facing everybody living or visiting Weymouth. The present system is an unmitigated disaster, which was constructed by Dorset County Council for the Olympics.

No matter where you go by car or public transport trying to make best use of dubious routes, you will be delayed. Responsibility for all of these problems lies with the Road Planning Department of our County Council.

It is not only Boot Hill with disgusting air pollution to all residents living or walking up or down the hill, caused by stationery traffic at caused by the traffic lights leading into Wyke Road, and coupled with the dangerous road connections leading into/out of Asda.

The other major area of concern is the King Street junction leading onto/off the Esplanade. The old traffic island was removed, with a pedestrian crossing constructed in the wrong place across that site. The traffic trying to move from the Pavilion towards King Street is stationary in peak periods due to the traffic having to join the Esplanade from Westham Road and the road leading to it from Park Street.

Residents/visitors trying to enjoy public houses or cafes have to sit at tables within six feet of car exhausts. If this is not a serious health problem then I fail to see what is.

There is no sign of a single pedestrian crossing at the eastern end of Westham Street where everybody has to dodge passing road traffic, or at the King Street junction.

The general public refuse to use the tunnels under King Street and cross between traffic light movements. This includes elderly and many with young families.

The cure to this dreadful situation is to move the pedestrian crossing back towards the American War Memorial (where many try to cross anyway) and reinstall the traffic Island allowing all traffic to turn from King Street both ways: ie to the Pavilion as it used to be or towards St John’s Church.

Weymouth will soon be having a new Fast Ferry Service to Cherbourg with a large road traffic flow, which must not be hindered by the current system.

I fail to understand the logic of changing the old established Esplanade traffic routes, and somebody must be held responsible for all of this and the resultant air pollution.

PC Tambling

Cdr RD* Master Mariner

Retired Weymouth Harbour Master