Concerns over major traffic changes proposed at Weymouth Harbour

As reported, Dorset Council is consulting over a range of traffic proposals, which include a new contra-flow cycle lane, widening of pavements, and removal of 39 one-hour free parking bays.

• Read more: Major changes proposed at Weymouth Harbour

The council says it hopes to find a compromise to meet the needs of as many people as possible.

However, following an initially positive response when the plans were unveiled, harbour users and business chiefs have since expressed a range of concerns - with many saying they had no idea a plan was being drawn up until the proposal was made public.

There are widespread fears of a pedestrianisation scheme being introduced in future, although Dorset Council insists this is not part of the current proposal.

Proposed new layout at Custom House Quay Picture: Dorset Council

Andrew Selby, owner of Weymouth Angling Centre, has deep misgivings about the loss of parking and said it will drive customers out of town.

"I was not consulted at all - this is a major thing to happen to the harbourside," he said.

"It's hard enough to survive. It's another nail in the coffin for us, and other shops. Lots of people park there for 15 minutes, pick up some shopping and go off again. They haven't given an option of introducing a parking charge, if they are concerned the free parking spaces are losing money.

"It's to suit a few pubs, for three or four months of the year - the other eight months the parking spots are used by older people and shoppers coming into town. To me, it's a total waste of taxpayers' money.

"Crowds of drinkers at the harbour got so out of hand over the summer - it was carnage in the mornings, boats were vandalised and littered with broken bottles. We are a working harbour. It is being turned into a beer garden.

"Nobody has come round to seek views. Now you just get a tick box online, which not everyone has access to, and some ambiguous questions."

The current traffic layout Picture: Dorset Council

Echoing those concerns, Richard Bright-Paul, chairman of the Working Harbour Association, said: "The council appears to be allergic to garnering input from local residents and businesses at an ideas stage.

"Instead they launch one idea out of nowhere, leaving everyone with just two choices - take it or leave it.

"One thing is for sure - the vast majority (I would estimate over 95 per cent) of harbour businesses and residents don't want road closures and pedestrianisation schemes back.

"The council needs to be clear and transparent with the harbour community on this matter. Is this scheme a proposed compromise, or are further measures being lined up behind closed doors that will collectively kill our working harbour?"

Map of the proposals Picture: Dorset Council

Mr Bright-Paul also said that several members of the Working Harbour Association hasvoiced concerns about the safety of the cycle lane.

"We need cycle lanes on some busy roads in Dorset for sure, but I've yet to speak to anyone who thinks we need a cycle lane heading east along the quayside, a road with light, slow moving traffic leading to a dead-end," he added.

"Cyclists in the harbour area, of which I am one, seem perfectly capable of sharing the quays with the relatively low vehicle numbers we have. It feels like a solution searching desperately for a problem."

Weymouth fisherman Bob Summerhayes described the proposed scheme as "a compromise" - but also expressed concerns over potential pedestrianisation.

"We can only react to the proposals as they are," he said. "The position of the loading bays is important - there needs to be further discussion to make sure they are of a suitable size, and in the right location.

"As long as there's no road closure that's a critical point for us. But I think there's been a reasonable bit of communication in general lately. Council officers visited the area to discuss the recent rail track removal to make sure it could fit around fishing operations."

Craig Oakes, president of Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: "Having consulted a large amount of harbour users, none were asked pre-design how this would affect their business in either a positive or negative way.

"To prevent clashes, speaking to those who operate around and use the harbour would be the best course of action as they have the most experience.

"Almost every member could not see the need for a cycle lane and felt there simply wasn't enough space along the harbour and would cause a hazard if anything. It is important to note that cycling should continue to be permitted on the highway - as stated in the proposal, traffic should be slowed to at least 20mph.

"It is yet to be seen if the removal of car parking spaces and narrowing of the road will work for everybody. We can obviously see it will hinder some fishermen - but could be greatly beneficial for pubs and restaurants to have extra space.

"We are keen that vehicle access remains, rather than full pedestrianisation."

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We are currently seeking views on a permanent change of layout on Custom House Quay to provide a better mixed-use.

“Custom House Quay is a valuable route out of town for traffic, especially during the peak holiday season, and that is why pedestrianisation is not included within the proposal.

“We are seeking feedback from all corners of the harbour community as this is already a mixed-use area, with homeowners, businesses and commercial harbour users directly affected, as well as many others having an interest, such as residents from across the town and visitors to the area.

“We recognise the mixed opinions about the contra-flow cycle lane. This is included within the proposals to link up with the further proposed route around the peninsula, and connecting this to the extensive network in Weymouth.

“We will be using the results from the ongoing survey to inform the redesign of this public realm area.”

The survey is open until Wednesday 24 February - the council is urging everyone to have their say by visiting www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/weymouth-harbourside-survey