OPTIONS presented to improve the Poole town centre gyratory are a “false choice”, according to the Poole People Party.

Residents and businesses are being consulted by Borough of Poole on two options to increase safety for cyclists and walkers by putting in cycle lanes and zebra and light controlled crossings.

One option would reduce the two lanes of traffic currently in West Street to one with cycle lanes both sides, but this would further increase traffic congestion extending to Hunger Hill at peak times.

Poole People are calling for a return to two-way traffic in West Quay Road and in Bay Hog Lane, which feeds the Twin Sails Bridge and calling for a thorough review of the gyratory and a long-term solution.

Cllr Mark Howell, leader of Poole People, who represents Poole Town, said: “The people of Poole are being presented with a false choice. The real issue here is that the Conservative administration is failing to recognise that it made a mistake in introducing the gyratory system.

“West Street cannot physically handle through traffic in West Quay Road and be safe for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We must return to two-way traffic in West Quay Road with through traffic being directed down West Quay Road as the experts instructed by the council suggested.”

They are suggesting West Street should primarily serve the old town and quay areas.

Cllr Charmaine Parkinson, who represents Hamworthy East for Poole People, said: “Hamworthy residents need a road system that can cater for their journeys to Poole safely and efficiently by car, bicycle and on foot.

“The council is proposing to apply sticking plasters but, if the regeneration area is to be successfully integrated into the town, it needs to determine the best, long-term solution urgently.”

The consultation ends on September 6.

Cllr Xena Dion, the council’s cabinet member for a prosperous and sustainable Poole, said an independent report had found the road network served motorists well but not pedestrians and cyclists.

“The two schemes currently being consulted on are designed to address these concerns,” she said.

“However, the report does not reflect the importance of this road system in linking the two sides of Poole and the Port of Poole with the wider road network.

“Our economic wellbeing from existing and new businesses is crucial to Poole now and into the future. Whilst provision for cyclists and pedestrians is essential, and certainly can be improved as new developments progress, we have to ensure vehicular access is also well served and congestion does not deter from business investment and development.

“This is why we are keen to hear the views not only of local residents, but from those across the borough, particularly Hamworthy and from the businesses we seek to support.”