Business Owners Dispute Blame for Wrong-Way Drivers

Business owners contend that signs erected to attract shoppers are being unfairly held responsible for a “decades-long” issue of motorists mistakenly entering a one-way road. Traders reported feeling aggrieved after officials attributed the problem in Waterloo Road in Kirkley, Lowestoft, to arrows on these signs and mandated their removal or concealment. Suffolk County Council’s highways department asserted that the arrows misled drivers into believing they could turn right into the one-way street. However, the traders countered that their signs were only installed in April, while the problem has persisted for many years. Proprietors advocated for improved official road signage, and the council indicated it was “exploring alternative solutions.” Wendy Dalton, secretary of the Kirkley Pocket Parks group, which was responsible for installing the “Kirkley Village Shops” signs and planters, conveyed the frustration among traders. She stated, “They wanted us to cut the arrows off but these are expensive signs and so we have now covered the arrows up, but our signs have not caused this problem because it’s been going on for many years.” Dalton added, “The biggest problem is there isn’t a ‘No Right Turn’ sign anywhere on the approach to Waterloo Road.” She concluded, “It’s such an easy fix but it’s very frustrating because Suffolk Highways say they are not going to do it.” Glen Manship, managing director of Red Hot Media Limited, commented, “I’ve been here for more than 18 years and I have regularly seen two or three cars going the wrong way in Waterloo Road most days.” He added, “The issue is that the correct road signage is not in place and it’s an accident waiting to happen.” Alice Taylor, from The Rum Lot, remarked, “All the traders want our customers to be safe and for drivers to know where they are going and anything that officials can do to help that would be a great thing.” A spokesperson for Suffolk Highways stated, “Suffolk County Council is exploring alternative solutions to prevent road users from accessing Waterloo Road via Victoria Terrace.” The spokesperson further noted, “Potential measures include new road markings, additional signage, and repositioning a planter.” They concluded, “We will continue to monitor the concerns and keep key stakeholders informed.”