The current road chaos in Swindon is concerning. Over recent weeks, we have all had to endure gridlock as a result of major road works across the town, including at Bruce Street Bridges, Cricklade Road and Stratton Bridge. The major cause has been a lack of co-ordination and phasing of the roadworks by Swindon’s Council, who have failed to realise that undertaking these major works at the same time would cause gridlock on our roads.

The chaos is causing massive frustration for motorists and could do damage to our town centre.

Though the Swindon road system has been gridlocked in recent weeks, we know that it has been struggling for years.

A transport system built for a town of 80,000 people is struggling to cope with one of 220,000. Unfortunately, the council has failed to plan for and deliver a modern transport system for our town. The council and the town’s MPs should be lobbying to secure funding for our key transport projects.

However, they have failed to deliver the Northern Link Road, failed to tackle congestion at the Moonrakers junction and failed to deliver transport infrastructure to cope with new housing developments such as Tadpole Farm.

As a result we are all now suffering the consequences.

Instead we need action to get traffic moving and a clear plan to build a 21st century transport system for our town. That’s why, along with my colleagues, I have published a five point plan to get Swindon moving. This includes action to co-ordinate and plan roadworks; action to create shovel ready plans for our key transport projects; and action to make Swindon a more cycle friendly town.

1. Swindon Council should co-ordinate and plan roadworks with other agencies to ensure key corridors to move around the town remain open.

2. Swindon Council should plan in advance to open bus gates and bus lanes in areas affected by roadworks to ease congestion.

3. The Council should support a Northern Link Road to connect Thamesdown Drive directly to the town centre, and prepare Swindon for increased traffic from the north.

4. The Council should create a ‘shovel ready plan’ for key transport projects including a rapid transit system to provide a route into the town centre. 5. The Council should create a more cyclist friendly town with safe cycling and walking routes.

Instead of the legacy of gridlock and frustration, through a positive plan we can get Swindon moving and start delivering the 21st century transport system our town needs.

Mark Dempsey Labour Parliamentary Candidate for North Swindon