A RESIDENTS’ group and parish council remain at loggerheads over how to solve a village’s traffic problems.

The Chideock Bypass Working Group insists that a bypass around the village is needed, but Chideock Parish Council wants to introduce a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) instead.

Building a bypass, the group argues, would be the only effective way of cutting levels of traffic, and especially of HGVs passing through the village.

But the council says that an LEZ would be just as effective, if not more so.

Introducing an LEZ could potentially see some vehicles being discouraged, or even charged for driving through the village.

But the group – which has started a petition for a bypass that has attracted more than 330 signatures – says the proposal does not go far enough, and would not have the same impact.

Group chairman Derek Maxwell said: “While a Low Emission Zone may suit other areas of the UK such as big cities, Chideock has a unique topography and is one of the major pinch points along the A35, one of the 18 key strategic routes in England.

“Pollution is not the only problem facing Chideock. Introducing an LEZ will not solve the problems of some of the most dangerous airborne pollutants generated by traffic. 

“Neither will it solve the problems of noise pollution, vibration, safety, quality of life and the protection of a unique medieval village. 

“Chideock residents live under the constant threat of traffic accidents, in particular the catastrophic potential of out of control HGVs destroying the centre of the village.”

The group, which has published a research paper on the different proposals, has also listed 10 issues that it says would need to be resolved before an LEZ could realistically be considered.

These include questions over the nature of the penalties and charges that would be set, if there would be an exemption for village residents, and what rules would apply to HGVs and motorcycles.

Chideock Parish Council declined to comment.

For more information about the group or to sign the petition see www.chideockbypass.co.uk