Eastbound traffic to be stopped on Kingsway

SWANSEA Council’s Cabinet has agreed temporary measures which will see eastbound traffic stopped on the Kingsway.

Cabinet has agreed to introduce what’s known as an experimental traffic regulation order (TRO) which means the metro service, buses, other coaches and taxis would no longer be able to travel up the road.

The decision comes a few days after the council introduced barriers on the central reservation of the Kingsway as part of a range of changes to the road.

Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said the TRO would be introduced as soon as possible.

He said: “The purpose of the experimental TRO is to see and monitor the effects of diverting metro, bus and taxis services and to look at what changes to the road network might be necessary if we were to close Kingsway to eastbound traffic permanently.

“Closing Kingsway eastbound will mean buses, coaches and taxis will have to be diverted to other routes.”

Cllr Stewart also said that the temporary barriers currently on Kingsway would be extended down the length of Westway to Oystermouth Road as well.

He also signalled an acceleration of the redevelopment of the city centre. He said: “As the city centre redevelopment gathers pace, new road layouts and traffic flows will be required – we will attempt to keep any disruption to a minimum.

“We will be attempting to create an environment that puts pedestrians at the heart of our new city, while making it easy for people to get in, out and around the area – successful urban planning is key to the success of our city. We hope to make some more announcements as soon as possible.”

The TRO proposal is one of the latest measures introduced by the council on Kingsway and follows 20mph speed limits and pedestrian signage which were put there last year.

Talks with bus operators and traders about changing traffic arrangements on Kingsway have already started.