Calls for 'urgent review' of parking at Weymouth supermarket

Wyke Regis residents have called for an "urgent review" of traffic measures at Tesco Express on Portland Road.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of Weymouth Town Council's planning and licensing committee on Tuesday, May 21.

The supermarket sits behind a pavement which is a busy area for pedestrians, particularly pupils from three nearby schools.

A walkway runs in front of the car park to the supermarket (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The pedestrian walkway in front of the exit to the car park (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Concerns have been raised that busy traffic on Portland Road causes cars to put pedestrians in potential danger by turning quickly or not looking out for pedestrians.

There are also concerns that cars exiting the car park can disrupt traffic flow if they are caught at a red light next to the car park.

Cars can end up caught in the middle of the road if they exit when a red light is showing at the crossing (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The proposal which was submitted by former councillor Lucy Hamilton on behalf of Kate Wheller had the approval of Wyke Regis councillors and The Wyke Regis Society.

They have called for red asphalt marking on the pavement and a camera to monitor the traffic.

Mrs Hamilton said: "Cars regularly jump the lights at the pedestrian crossing, using Tesco car park as an alternative route to skip the lights.

"It is a busy road and if there is traffic, cars often move fast.

"I am really concerned that traffic conditions force drivers to turn at speed into the car park.

"Residents would like to see a camera placed to monitor this.

"The route in and out of Tesco car park is across the pavement.

"Drivers necessarily focus on the traffic and may forget to watch for pedestrians. Residents would like to see the pavement marked clearly to remind drivers that pedestrians are crossing. Perhaps red asphalt."

Cllr Peter Dickenson, chair of the planning committee, said: "One resident I have spoken to suggested that cars should not go into the car park when schools are coming in and out, because of the danger to pedestrians."

Mrs Hamilton also raised the issue that a sign for Subway prevents drivers who are leaving the car park from seeing oncoming traffic, forcing them to move onto the pavement to see the road.

Signs at eye line level can obstruct the views from drivers being able to see oncoming traffic or pedestrians (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The councillors have given a comment on the proposals for consideration by Dorset Council.

The comment said: "Weymouth Town Council would like a full review of access into the site, taking into account the whole area in terms of traffic lights and traffic flow, especially during school start and finish times, street signage, street clutter and roundabouts, with a potential for a video camera to monitor."