Wixams and Wilstead Cllr Graeme Coombes has called on the Council to take urgent action to end the traffic congestion ‘misery’ experienced by motorists travelling on Ampthill Road.

The A6 south of Bedford, stretching from Ampthill Road to the A421 has for many years been known as a road to be avoided, particularly in rush hour. 

Whilst welcoming the recent opening of nearby retail outlets, such as the Morrisons on Ampthill Road and the nearby B & Q store, Cllr Coombes told a Council meeting on Wednesday that the surrounding road network is ill-equipped to deal with the extra traffic.  He said:

‘It is very pleasing to see new businesses in Bedford although it is clear that Ampthill Road, Elstow Road and the nearby B530 are buckling under the strain of the resulting increase in traffic and rat running.

‘I would like the Council to undertake a complete overview of transport infrastructure south of the river.  Much more could be done to improve traffic flow, such as opening up the Ampthill Road bus lane to all vehicles at certain times and restoring the link road between the A421 and the Interchange Retail Park.

‘Residents in Wixams and Wilstead are telling me that they think twice before deciding to travel into Bedford in an attempt to avoid the inevitable traffic misery.  The current road system is not fit for purpose and Bedford is suffering as a result.’