RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on proposed changes to the road layout at Weymouth Harbour.

Dorset Council is looking to make changes along Custom House Quay on the north side of the harbour, in a bid to enhance the area for families, hospitality businesses and active travel.

The proposed new layout would see removal of parking spaces and a new cycle lane being created.

Dorset Echo: Map of the proposed new layout Picture: Dorset CouncilMap of the proposed new layout Picture: Dorset Council

It follows temporary traffic restrictions put in place along both sides of the harbour over the summer to aid social distancing - a move that was controversial among many harbour users and residents.

Dorset Echo: Proposed new layoutProposed new layout

With additional money secured from the Department for Transport, Dorset Council is now looking into permanently enhancing this side of the harbour.

However the authority has stated that these proposals do not include pedestrianisation of the harbourside.

Dorset Echo: Current layoutCurrent layout

Instead, the aim is to improve the public space along Custom House Quay, between South Parade and St Mary Street, to create a safer space for walking and cycling, enhance the area for outside dining and improve air quality by reducing traffic along the route by removing parking.

Residents are being asked to have their say on:

  • ​widening footways on both sides of the road
  • providing loading bays for harbour businesses and vessels
  • installing a contra-flow, on-road cycle lane (towards Pavilion) - cyclists heading towards Town Bridge will be in the road with the one-way flow of traffic. Cyclists heading towards The Pavilion will use a dedicated cycle lane, which will be against the flow of traffic. 
  • provision of dedicated disabled parking bays
  • providing additional outdoor seating space for hospitality businesses
  • provision of cycle parking
  • installation of benches, planters and safety bollards

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “With a further £438,000 awarded to us from the Active Travel Fund, and the removal of the disused railway tracks along the harbour, we have a fantastic opportunity to reshape and enhance the harbour environment in Weymouth.

“We want to hear from businesses, residents, families and visitors to get a full, rounded picture of how Custom House Quay could better work as a mixed-use environment.”

The survey is open from Wednesday January 13 to Wednesday 24 February.

Results of the survey will be used to develop the proposals and will be shared with local residents.

To have your say visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/weymouth-harbourside-survey