A ONE-WAY system is being set up at Stane Retail Park as operators try and combat the congestion issues which have plagued the complex for more than a year.

With the A12 closed last Saturday, traffic became so bad Colchester's Community Policing Team stepped in to direct drivers and ease the gridlock, though traffic problems at the retail complex have long been a scourge for shoppers.

Managing agents of the retail complex, Mark Liell, have been looking for a solution to the congestion for some time, and it is now hoped a one-way traffic system will be the first step in resolving a problem which has become synonymous with Stane Retail Park.

One-way signs have been put up at the Aldi entrance and, weather permitting, new lines will be painted on Sunday, at which point the one-way system could come into effect.

Gazette: Entry only – lines will soon be repainted in the car park meaning drivers will only be able to enter Aldi's main entrance, not exitEntry only – lines will soon be repainted in the car park meaning drivers will only be able to enter Aldi's main entrance, not exit (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

It means the current entrance to the Stane Park Aldi, which allows drivers entry and exit, would only allow entry.

Installing alligator teeth on the road will be considered if the system is persistently ignored.

Laurence De Grandis, who is helping the managing agents Mark Liell to put the one-way system in place, told the Gazette the boundaries outside the car park were not factored into the carpark heavily enough when the blueprints were being drawn up.

He said: “The car park was modelled to handle more traffic than it already does, but what wasn’t taken into account was the outside boundaries [like the Western Approach roundabout] – it’s not the carpark that’s causing the problem.

“We need a more permanent solution.”

Gazette: Gridlocked – there were major problems at Stane Park last Saturday when the A12 was closedGridlocked – there were major problems at Stane Park last Saturday when the A12 was closed (Image: Public)

Mr De Grandis added the congestion around the retail park is difficult to combat when the A12 is closed.

“If the A12 closes and we’ve got an influx of traffic, everything is going to be gridlocked and there’s not much we can do," he said. 

“On paper, [the car park plan] is more than adequate – we are trying to make a difference on the retail park itself but we can’t make decisions outside of our management parameters.

“The one-way system seems simple, but I am hoping it will help the flow of traffic.”