Ikea will cause traffic misery, admits council (From Daily Echo)

Ikea's Southampton store will cause significant traffic problems, says council

11:51am Thursday 22nd January 2009 in Search By Matt Smith, Politics and business reporter

TRANSPORT bosses have admitted Southampton's new Ikea store will cause weeks of traffic chaos when it opens next month.

A leaked memo warns there are likely to be "very severe delays" along the West Quay Road for six weeks when the store opens on February 12.

Southampton City Council has conceded roads will be busier but has sought to play down the traffic impacts of the iconic Swedish furniture store, particularly on the rest of the city.

The memo, sent by county traffic managers to dozens of haulier and construction firms, said the city council expects "noticeable" traffic congestion and urges companies to allow extra time for journeys to the eastern docks area around Gate 4.

The council is encouraging shoppers to use public transport if possible to reach the new store, which will open its car park at 6am ahead of its official opening at 10am.

It promises to "keep tabs" on the traffic, which will be watched by its staff and police in the city's traffic control room.

Ikea said it had gone to extensive lengths to ensure that any increased volume of traffic would have little impact on the city.

Road improvements have been made to widen junctions with West Quay Road at Southern Road and Harbour Parade.

And the retailer said the road layout had been adapted slightly so that the flow of traffic into the store was eased and putting the 900-space car park at the top of the four-storey store meant there was more capacity for cars queuing off road.

Councillor Royston Smith, Cabinet member for economic development, said the warning related to "abnormal loads".

He said: "The vast majority of people want IKEA in Southampton. Yes there will be some more cars on the road but we are doing everything we can to minimise this disruption."

For the chance to win a VIP trip to the opening of Ikea, with £100 to spend, see today's Daily Echo.