REGARDING the emerging proposals for East Street in Taunton, I am concerned at the apparent intention of the local authorities to exclude buses permanently - despite what is said about encouraging greener forms of transport - while also forcing cyclists to share the street with peak-hour car traffic.

This does not look like good practice, as visits to other towns and cities should confirm.

READ MORE: Limited one-way traffic and an automated barrier suggested for Taunton town centre street

Nor will it make East Street or the Parade the more attractive public spaces that Taunton needs, if it is to successfully to face the twin challenges of Covid-19 recovery and internet shopping.

I say this as someone who worked for 35 years as a town and transport planner, and who was also an advisor on transport to the Royal Town Planning Institute.

PHILIP BISATT
Taunton