THE final stage of traffic management changes at Taunton Railway Station has been welcomed by MP Ian Liddell-Grainger as a ‘huge relief’ for residents.

A new junction at Trenchard Way is set to resolve congestion problems which have persisted since the station’s main entrance was moved to the down side and a new multi-storey car park was built.

The scheme is said to enhance access to the station and Firepool site for cyclists, pedestrians and bus services
The scheme is said to enhance access to the station and Firepool site for cyclists, pedestrians and bus services (Somerset Council)

Drivers waiting to collect arriving passengers have been obstructing the concourse because of limited free parking, particularly when trains have been delayed.

Meanwhile, bus passengers travelling to Minehead have had to leave the concourse and cross to a stop in Station Road.

Mr Liddell-Grainger has been a long-term critic of the situation at the station, which Somerset Council officials said should start to be resolved from today (Monday, June 5) as motorists will no longer need to enter the station using the dedicated bus route.

From next week, buses will start to use the station bus stop again.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said he had received many complaints from constituents about the traffic arrangements at the station.

He said: “This has been a total fiasco, an improvement scheme put in place without all the implications being thought through.

“I am now looking to the council, GWR, and APCOA, the car park contractors, to ensure a smooth transition and manage traffic efficiently in future, including ensuring that drivers know there is free short-term parking.”