CONTROVERSIAL plans to reverse the traffic flow in Priory Street will not be considered until after Colchester’s Park and Ride opens.

Essex County Council had initially planned for the reversal in the town centre street to take place before April 13, when the new park and ride is due to open, using short-term traffic orders.

County Hall has now admitted it is “unlikely” any change will take place before that date because it plans to hold a full consultation.

It has not set a date by which the consultation will begin or finish.

It comes as residents continue their campaign against the plans, put forward by Essex Highways boss Rodney Bass.

The residents’ association says it will turn the street into a rat run and could risk lives. More than 500 people have signed its petition against the plans.

Stewart Bond, chairman of the residents’ group, said: “With the number of signatures we have from the area on our petition and the support of the Catholic church, the mosque and the school, we feel we may speak on behalf of the community.

“We are not simply opposing an inconvenience, we have a real concern for the safety of visitors and residents. All Essex County Council seems to have is a map.”