Ipswich residents could see the end of rat-run by the autumn

Residents of Humber Doucy Lane have complained regularly about traffic using the narrow section of the road between Playford Road and Rushmere Road as a rat-run when wider roads are shut.

The road is too narrow for a footpath or pavement and residents have made many calls for through traffic to be banned.

Rat-running drivers cause problems for residents of Humber Doucy Lane (Image: Derry Salter)

It was particularly bad last September when roadworks on Woodbridge Road East encouraged many drivers to use the route as a rat-run to avoid long delays.

The county council is currently consulting residents about two proposals for the junction - one would see it closed altogether and one would see it closed to traffic turning into the road from Playford Lane.

The consultation closes on June 30th and local county councillor Paul West hoped a decision would be discussed and implemented by the end of the summer.

He said: "Judging from the comments I have heard the vast majority of residents of that road would like to see the junction closed altogether."

If it was closed a bollard would be installed which could be unlocked by emergency vehicles if they needed to access the road.

Paul West said most residents wanted the junction closed (Image: Archant)

Mr West is cabinet member for operational road issues at the county - but said the decision on this would be taken by the cabinet member for roads strategy Richard Smith.

He added: "As the local councillor for the area I have been representing the views of the local residents. 

"But I don't think it is a decision that should take too long to reach - I would hope that people know what is going to happen in a couple of months' time."