Calls have been made for a full traffic survey in Beccles following the opening of the southern relief road to maximise its effectiveness.
The road, which runs between the A145 London Road and Ellough Road, was built to remove heavy traffic from the centre of Beccles.
However, while it was being built, concerns over signage and directions near the road led to fears it would not stop HGVs and commercial through traffic driving through the centre of the town.Mark Bee, Suffolk County conservative councillor for Beccles, said: 'Beccles now has a marvellous new relief road, delivered on time and at a cost of £7million. It is already being well used by motorists, cyclist and pedestrians.
'Now we must make the most of it for the benefit of the town. It is a relief road and therefore by definition must ease traffic congestion in the town centre and in residential areas.'
He added: 'I am therefore calling on the county council to conduct a full traffic survey to maximise the benefit of this new road. To look at directions, priorities, signage and weight restrictions.
'This is best done now the road is open. I will work with fellow county councillors, Mary Evans, the County Cabinet member and the highways team to see that we get this done properly and swiftly. It is important that we get it right.'
Elfrede Brambley-Crawshaw, Suffolk County green councillor for Beccles, said assurances from the council earlier in the year which included discussions about signage meant she expected a full traffic survey to take place.
She said: 'It is for the good of the town. I think it follows a narrative that has been set and we are on target for having the changes that the town needs.
'We will keep the pressure on the county council to fulfil their promise to do a full traffic survey to enable weight restrictions and any weight measures that are needed.'
A spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: 'We plan to undertake traffic counts once the new road has been open for a period of around six months.
'These will mirror the counts we did before the scheme was opened. A report will then follow about two months after.'
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