Introduction
The main aim of our transport projects was to support the Yeovil Refresh programme and to make sure that all modes of transport can be used in accessing the town centre.
The main aim of our transport projects was to support and enhance all modes of transport across the town centre for all users, improving accessibility and delivering efficient, sustainable transport solutions for Yeovil.
In the centre itself, we aimed to create a shared space that enabled pedestrians to have priority over vehicles. The aim was to reduce the conflict between people and vehicles, improving the environment and making it easier to move around the central area. This should create an accessible, less cluttered centre which all residents can use safely, while at the same time improving air quality and ensuring that Yeovil is a town centre fit for the 21st century.
We produced an Access Strategy that aimed to:
- Enable excellent access to retail, leisure and business opportunities
- Supports the delivery of strategic development sites
- Supports the Local Plan aspirations for low carbon travel
The plan was moved forward with several packages, which together made up the whole transport project workstream of the overall programme. Full details of the projects can be found below:
Pedestrian and Cycling
A Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) was been created for Yeovil which is detailed Yeovil Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan
This complemented the Access Strategy work referred to above, which looked at all modes of transport in and around Yeovil. The LCWIP assessed cycling, walking and wheeling routes across Yeovil, focussing on those which will pass through and around the town centre. The aim of updating and building new routes is to create additional access to retail, leisure and businesses in the area.
A key priority was to ensure that the LCWIP delivers low carbon travel options for residents, businesses and visitors to Yeovil. The LCWIP covers Yeovil providing opportunities to walk or cycle into the town centre will be more attractive, reducing the need to make short trips by car.
The initial package of works focused on the town centre, with the aim of improving connectivity into the core of the town. A number of potential routes were identified to achieve this and work to deliver these routes which are outlined in the LCWIP has been completed.
Improved way-finding signage was also part of this work but has not been implemented. As a general principal improving signage into the town centre will enhance the experience of those travelling by foot or cycling, allowing for better knowledge of routes and key focal points in the town centre and beyond.
A wider review of car parking across Somerset is underway which will assist and build on earlier approaches to car parking. Reviewing parking, in terms of space requirements, will ensure informed decisions about usage and whether car parks can be improved or changed to another use.
We are well aware that car park usage in Yeovil town centre has been declining for many years, with shopping habits changing and the mix of retail and leisure declining in the area. Habits have also changed post-pandemic, influenced by a range of issues. This potentially offers options to re-develop space that is no longer required, and a number of options were reviewed in the Yeovil Town Centre Masterplan 2026.
Find more information about the Pedestrian and Cycling Schemes.
Highways network
We initially reviewed conditions in Yeovil town centre, including traffic circulation, bus routing, pedestrian infrastructure and traffic flows. The aim of this work was to understand fully the connections between all the highways networks and how the transport network was operating.
This work highlighted that Yeovil town centre has a complex network of streets and corridors of movement. It also highlighted that the A30 Queensway / Reckleford is a significant barrier to movement between some of the residential areas north and west of the town centre.
Bus routing is also considered in the report. The vast majority of buses that visit the town centre enter The Borough in the town centre and usage was very high (pre-Covid), with approximately 20 bus route numbers using the stop at The Borough with varying frequencies. Pedestrian usage is also high in this area. The report also looked at the outdated bus station which is in need of replacement to better suit its role as a major entry point to the town.
Updated technical work and consultation on bus stop locations was delivered with bus stops being retained in The Borough
Lastly, we looked at Pedestrian and cycle routes, which informed the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. Pedestrian and cycle routes to the town centre involve convoluted crossings or unappealing subways and are dominated by car traffic.
There are many opportunities to address some of these issues, and we will continue to look at how we can make improvements to the highways network which will enable better access to the town centre.
Work under this project was delivered in phases and we believe will deliver significant benefits to movement into and around the town centre over the coming years. We have also looked at how we can link up with Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction railway stations.
Public transport schemes
Much of the work detailed above will address some of the planned public transport schemes, however we are also working on other schemes in the town to improve access. For example, we have recently introduced an e-scooter trial in Yeovil which ultimately aims to replace short car trips with other more environmentally friendly alternatives.
With the declaration of a climate emergency, there is an urgent need for solutions that will directly reduce unnecessary car usage in order to lower carbon emissions, reduce air pollution and congestion and improve health and wellbeing.
This scheme is being run under the official e-scooter trials initiative, authorised by the Department for Transport. It allows the Department for Transport to review how authorised rental e-scooters are used in a controlled and monitored environment.
You can find out more about the e-scooter trial in Yeovil on our Transport page.