CHANGES to a controversial M4 junction layout “causing delays” in Wiltshire are yet to be agreed despite strong support.
Last month Wiltshire Council confirmed it planned to reverse alterations to the A350 northbound lane designations approaching junction 17 of the M4.
These changes, which came into force last year, mean the left-hand lane is only for drivers taking the M4 west, while all other vehicles are funnelled into the right-hand lane.
This has caused lengthy delays for commuters and has been widely criticised by residents and councillors.
The council is undertaking traffic modelling to demonstrate that the previous layout would improve junction performance.
National Highways, which owns the junction bridges that the council operate, says nothing has been agreed but it will work with the council to implement changes once modelling has been completed.
Route manager, Chris Hilldrup said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we are undertaking extensive and detailed investigation and survey work, along with safety critical resurfacing on the M4 at junction 17.
"Following these works, we will continue to work with Wiltshire Council on the road layout to ensure that any changes are safe and in line with traffic modelling."
The planned move to reverse last year’s changes has received support from councillors, including Cllr Howard Greenman, the representative for Kington, who has been campaigning against them since their introduction.
He said: “I had representations from a lot of villagers, they’ve all been upset and I think all of us have.
“It’s been a very big issue and I’ve personally had a couple of near misses when cars have realised they’re in the wrong lane too late and cut across.
“It has undoubtedly caused delays.”
Many have labelled the current layout “dangerous” and Cllr Nic Puntis, the representative for Cepen Park and Derriads, said many residents in his division have also suffered long delays.
Wiltshire Council declined to comment, but Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, previously said he was working on reversing the changes as a “medium-term solution” to “increased queues” at junction 17.
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