A PLANNED multi-million road scheme will result in traffic from the South East "whizzing past Taunton" and bring no benefit to the town, it is claimed this week.

Highways England (HE) has held public consultations over proposals to turn the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton into a dual carriageway, with a by-pass for Henlade and a new M5 junction at Killams Avenue, in the county town.

Engineer Rob Hossell criticised the Government organisation for only displaying one of the original four options for the route.

Mr Hossell said that scheme has the lowest benefit to cost ratio and would result in the majority of traffic heading to Taunton still using the existing A358 through traffic-clogged Henlade, while the new road would be under-utilised as it has no access to Junction 25.

He added that the new junction is shown on HE maps as connecting to a single-track country lane in one direction and Shoreditch Road into Taunton, which is "already unable to cope at peak times".

Mr Hossell said HE estimates show the option shown to the public would generate the highest number of accidents, produce the worst impact on noise near to housing and be the least economically efficient.

He said: "The preferred option appears to primarily serve those travelling from the South East to the South West, while not significantly reducing traffic on the existing A358 at Henlade, and providing virtually no economic benefit to the local area.

"Let's have a road that is fully utilised, provides the best value for money and is fit for purpose.

"The residents of Taunton and the area should be presented with all the options, not just HE's preferred option. We look to HE being open and transparent."

Dave Orr, who visited one of the consultation events, said: "What's in it for Taunton? A lot of noise and extra light pollution.

"A massive volume of traffic will hit the new junction at Taunton - the HE didn't show any plans on how that junction will configure. It's a cheap and nasty scheme.

"Traffic from London and the South East will be whizzing past Taunton as it heads for Devon and Cornwall.

"I think we've been sold a pup and there will be no benefit whatsoever for Taunton."

There is a further consultation event at the Holiday Inn, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton, on Monday, May 8, from 10am to 5pm.

A Highways England spokeswoman said: “The consultation on plans to relieve congestion and improve journey times on the A358 around Taunton has just started and the feedback we receive from everyone is really important in helping us to refine our proposed option.

"This consultation is all about offering people the chance to see our initial proposal.

"We have been holding public information events where members of the public can view the consultation materials, maps and questionnaire and talk to the A358 Taunton to Southfields project team.

"Consultation materials are also on display at local public venues such as libraries and council offices for people to view and we would urge anyone who would like to comment on the proposals to do so before consultation ends on May 20.”

For more information and the chance to comment click here.