Bierton 'Not-So' Calming Measures

Since work began in August 2024, the project has been plagued with issues.

Large potholes have formed, sections of work remain unfinished, and confusing road signs—many of which have fallen down—have added to the chaos. 

The layout changes, which include chicanes and islands, have been criticized for being too close together, barely visible at night, and forcing dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, mounting pavements, and driving on grass verges.

Efforts to divert traffic away from the village via the new Kingsbrook route have also fallen short. Without the completion of the Woodlands Eastern Link Road South—intended to connect Kingsbrook to the A41 Aston Clinton bypass—drivers are left with few alternatives. Many are either using the unsuitable Broughton route or using the suggested route Kingsbrook to rejoin Aylesbury’s roads at the already congested Stocklake junction.

The Latest up date on the Woodlands development and the Eastern Link Road South Can be found here after Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet met today (11th March 2025) 

The Background:

The traffic calming scheme for the A418 in Bierton moved forward after receiving approval from Buckinghamshire Council and local representatives. The initiative, part of the Section 106 agreement linked to the Kingsbrook development, aimed to reduce through-traffic and promote the use of new strategic roads, while also enhancing pedestrian, cycling, and public transport facilities.

The scheme, designed by Barratt David Wilson Homes in consultation with local authorities, included measures such as priority systems, chicanes, pedestrian crossings, and bus stop improvements. A public consultation held in late 2022 gathered community feedback, leading to design modifications, including the retention of a key bus stop lay-by following objections from Arriva, (no longer operating in the area).

Local councillors and Bierton Parish Council expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing its importance in mitigating increased traffic due to the Kingsbrook expansion. With final approvals in place, implementation was expected to begin in Spring 2024.

Cllr. Sheila Cotton, Bierton Parish Council, has told Bucks Radio, "As neither of the traffic calming in Bierton and the ELR South are the responsibility of the Parish Council, I do not think it appropriate for me to comment on either project.  We have merely been contacted as consultees, much the same as the residents. Cllr Julie Ward has sent a letter out to all residents in Bierton."

She continued: "As you may be aware, the project is due to be completed during the Easter holidays 8-14 April and I do think this will improve the situation. The present system had to be installed temporarily for various reasons."

Buckinghamshire Council were approached for interview:  "We are declining the offer of an interview about Bierton until we have some more news for you on this."

Residents of Bierton are voicing their frustrations over the ongoing traffic calming measures, which they say have led to increased dangers, congestion, and road deterioration rather than improved safety.

Flooding has also become a new concern. Previously unaffected areas now see standing water during heavy rain, which some blame on the road-widening efforts. Meanwhile, lorries continue to use the route, adding to the noise, pollution, and wear and tear on the already deteriorating road surface.

Residents are also frustrated by a lack of transparency regarding the project. A safety audit was reportedly conducted, but they say the results have not been shared with the public. Many are now questioning why the project was pushed forward despite reports that contractors wanted to delay the start of works.

Local voices are calling for urgent action to address the worsening situation before further accidents, damage, and disruptions occur.

A number of residents of Bierton have raised serious concerns and a petition has created by Matthew Grolimund:

"The traffic calming that's caused absolute chaos in more ways than one. I have a young child and have lorries etc driving straight at me when my right of way."

"Someone decided it needed to be done so regardless of all the incredibly obvious reasons it shouldn't continue, they are still marching ahead. They know they can't afford to do it again because the money from BDW has been provided and won't be provided again. Focus on building the A41 connection and not this nonsense waste of money"

"This has not been thoroughly thought through absolutely ridiculous design stops traffic rather than calming it down"

The project is due to be completed during the Easter holidays 8-14 April 2025.