December 18, 2019 2.27 pm This story is over 51 months old

Controversial Toll Bar Roundabout decision to go before North East Lincolnshire leaders

Officers have recommended a return to a previous option, but campaigners think differently
Toll Bar roundabout near Grimsby. Photo: Google Street View

North East Lincolnshire Council leaders are set to decide on the future of a controversial roundabout in a bid to improve the junction’s safety.

The authority’s cabinet will meet on Monday, December 23, at 11am, to examine three options for the Toll Bar Roundabout.

Campaigners said they were “confident” of retaining the roundabout ahead of the meeting.

The options are:

  • Replacement of the existing roundabout with a fully signalised crossroad. This £2.2 million scheme was previously agreed under the former Labour council, however caused controversy among residents and campaigners with more than 10,000 signatures handed into the authority against the plans. It was halted when the Conservatives took power in May’s local elections.
  • Retain and enhance the roundabout including widening the Station Road East and West approaches to increase the number and length of lanes, including two “ahead” lanes along the A16.
  • “Significant” enlargement fo the roundabout, including three lanes the entire way round and the creation of signalised pedestrian crossings. This would be achieved by taking additional land from housing to the south-west and Tollbar Academy. It would be the most expensive option at £4.4 million

The three options for Toll Bar Roundabout in order from left to right.

Council officers have recommended the cabinet returns to the original plans, saying it will improve provision for pedestrians and cyclists and capacity for the highway network.

However, they also say that is a “deliverable and lawful option” if cabinet members felt it would align with “their own experiences and views as to safety and other relevant matters”.

It would also be slightly cheaper at £1.98 million, but would require conversations with a local developer to ask them to revise their planning application.

Officers also warn that it won’t be as effective in future years.

The roundabout is a known problem spot and often sees traffic congestion at peak periods as well as being a high risk area for pedestrian and cyclists.

Local people turned out in protest against the controversial traffic management plans at Toll Bar Roundabout before they were agreed the first time round. Photo: Daniel Jaines for Lincolnshire Reporter

Those opposed to the plans believe the changes would make it even more dangerous.

Philip Bond, Chair of the Toll Bar Academy Trust, has been vocal against the plans.

He called on the council to choose the second option against officer opinion, adding: “The feelings expressed by most in the local community were that traffic lights at the junction would make the junction a less safe place.

“The eight month installation proposed for the lights would have created traffic and pedestrian chaos and probably had significant detrimental impact on several local businesses, to say nothing of the impact on Tollbar Academy, its staff and students.”

Roger Breed, from the Toll Bar Resident Action Group, also called for option two to be chosen.

In an email response to Mr Breed, Council leader Councillor Philip Jackson said he could not predetermine his position but added: “Option two has many merits and ticks all the boxes.”

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