Berners Street Ipswich waiting restrictions start next year

The congestion along Berners Street has been leading to frustration for motorists, as some have been noted to drive recklessly and others using their car horns.

As a result of this, Ipswich Borough Council asked Suffolk Highways to transfer powers to them and the borough council to add restrictions on wait times on the street, through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

After over a year of campaigning by Ipswich councillors Colin Kreidewolf and Inga Lockington, the order has been approved and will begin in the new year. 

A spokesperson from Suffolk County Council's highways committee said: "Following the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation, it has been agreed to implement the waiting restrictions on Berners Street, Ipswich.

"Although a construction date is yet to be confirmed, works will likely take place in early 2025."

Colin Kriedewolf called this 'welcome news'. (Image: Newsquest) Currently, the borough council can only fine people when they park on double yellow lines, but Mr Kriedewolf had called for these powers to be extended. 

He wished to restrict wait times in the area and make it such that the borough council has the power to fine someone who may be driving in an unsafe manner. 

In response to the approval of the order, he said: "It's really good news that the new TRO will be operative early 2025 allowing Ipswich Borough Council to enforce against regulations and hopefully improve road safety because there have been significant problems near to the junction with Bedford Street.

"It's welcomed news."

Councillor Inga Lockington has also been working to bring these changes through. (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, Suffolk County Councillor for the area, Inga Lockington, said: "I have seen traffic backing up and blocking the roundabout or blocking the road further up Berners Street, for traffic coming down the street. 

"As shops and venues are open evenings and Sundays we needed a traffic system that can cope with the changes and this will need TRO's place that the parking service scheme can enforce."

She added that the officers should be able to deliver changes in 14 weeks' time.

Previously, Lizzie Hicks a resident of Berners Street had said: "I have almost been run over by a car driving up the pavement suddenly to avoid an oncoming car on the wrong side of the road."