A businessman from Shrewsbury believes there are several solutions to the town’s congestion issues, following the likely cancellation of the relief road plans. Paul Carvell, involved with Shrewsbury BID, has been developing “Shrewsbury Moves,” a 14-point strategy aimed at enhancing movement around the town centre over the next decade. He noted that the town’s congestion is relatively minor compared to larger cities. Although the North West Relief Road was intended to divert traffic from the town centre, Carvell insists that alternatives are being explored.
One suggested approach is to divide the town into zones, accessed via a loop road, with vehicles exiting the same way they entered. Another proposal includes creating a delivery hub on the town’s outskirts, where goods would be transferred to delivery bikes for final distribution. Larger deliveries would be restricted to specific times. Additionally, pedestrianising the town centre, enhancing park and ride facilities, and constructing a new train station are under consideration.
Carvell, a local retailer, highlighted that 80% of vehicles passing through the town do not stop in the centre. He believes the existing ring roads are adequate and that funds could be allocated for further improvements. The zoning concept is inspired by practices in Belgium and the Netherlands, though he acknowledges these solutions are not immediate. Compared to cities like London, he feels Shrewsbury is not severely underserved.
