A POP-UP travel scheme that failed in one Buckinghamshire town could be introduced to a nearby village – provided its presence does not ‘gridlock people in cars’.

One of a series of “temporary active travel schemes” by Buckinghamshire Council could be making an appearance in the village of Stoke Poges – and while members of its parish council are considering the idea, they are also keen to avoid congestion.

Members of its Infrastructure and Highways sub-group have expressed an interest in the “possibility” of a so-called “quietway”, according to Cllr George Sandy, though not at the expense of local drivers.

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A similar scheme, which saw a series of decorative planters installed in Lower Road and South Park, in Gerrards Cross, without public approval, was swiftly scrapped after a public petition revealed a “clear majority objected to the scheme”.

Buckinghamshire Council admitted it had not carried out advanced public consultations for the scheme, seeking instead people’s views based on a trial period.

The 14 decorative blockades from Gerrards Cross are currently in storage and bound for trial this month in Southcourt, Aylesbury, according to a council spokesperson.

The schemes were designed to promote more walking and cycling as people returned to work and leisure activities “as lockdown restrictions gradually ease”.

The quietways are also designed to promote safer roads and air quality and better personal health.

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The matter for Stoke Poges was discussed during a Beeches Community Board meeting, on Thursday, September 17.

“The sub-group felt that there was a possibility of developing an active travel strategy for the area,” said Cllr Sandy.

“This would include identifying where walking and cycling routes to shops and village centres could be improved and it was agreed that this should be brought forward for discussion.

“I am happy to discuss that as long as it doesn’t mean creating a gridlock for people in cars.”

Cllr Nick Naylor, cabinet member for transport, who was also present at the meeting, said: “Buckinghamshire Council has been very active in active transport and there seems to be some interest in this area and I’d be more than happy to point you in the right direction if that is something the Community Board wishes to pursue.”

The unitary authority was awarded a £514,000 grant by the Department for Transport (DfT), for a series of travel schemes across the county.

Speaking to the Free Press, Cllr Naylor said he was yet to hear from Stoke Poges Parish Council about further details on the scheme.

“We’ve launched a new Facebook group for local news junkies, politics fans and everyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting Stoke Poges. Please join the conversation over at Buckinghamshire Politics.”