The Worcester Liberal Democrats have raised urgent concerns regarding the persistent traffic queues leading up to Sixways Roundabout at Junction 6 of the M5, particularly from Berkeley Way.
The growing issue has been a source of frustration for local residents, who have repeatedly voiced complaints to local LibDem councillors Sarah Murray and John Rudge.
Following numerous reports from affected residents, Councillors Murray and Rudge brought the community’s concerns to the attention of Worcestershire County Council. The councillors highlighted how the traffic buildup is not only causing significant delays but is also creating safety risks and impacting the quality of life for those living in nearby areas.
As part of their efforts to tackle the problem, the Worcester Liberal Democrats have called on Highways England to review the traffic light sequencing at Sixways Roundabout. Residents have expressed particular concern that vehicles entering the roundabout from Berkeley Way are often left at a standstill for extended periods, with little opportunity to move forward
Local business owner, Stuart Wild, said “During the evening peak period, the queue of traffic on Berkeley Way waiting to enter the junction 6 roundabout is horrendous, even stretching past and blocking the roundabout near the Premier Inn. And when you get to the front of the queue it’s obvious why. Only one car at a time can get onto the roundabout because of the phasing of the lights to the right at the top of the northbound slip road from the M5.”
Craig Cliff, a resident from Warndon Villages who lives close to Junction 6 said ”I have to use it on a daily basis, It can take me twenty minutes or more some days to do less than a few hundred feet! The improvement works on this roundabout should have helped ease this problem, but it’s made it worse! We have no traffic lights from the Warndon exit onto the roundabout. and the sequencing of lights for those that have are completely out of phase..it’s frustrating!”
Speaking on the issue, Cllr Sarah Murray said “The congestion around Junction 6 has become a daily headache for local commuters and residents. The traffic backing up along Berkeley Way is not only inconvenient but has started to affect local businesses and create safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. We’ve asked Highways to take a close look at the traffic light sequence, as drivers entering from Berkeley Way simply aren’t getting a fair chance to move forward, which only worsens the delays. We’re urging the County Council to take swift action to investigate and implement solutions.”
Cllr John Rudge echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of quick intervention. “Residents have been incredibly patient, but the situation is becoming untenable. We need urgent measures to address the root causes of the congestion and prevent further disruptions to the local community. Reviewing the traffic light timing at Sixways is a key step, and improving traffic flow around Junction 6 must become a priority for the council, particularly given the impact this issue is having on daily life.”
Worcester City and County Councillor, Mel Allcott said ‘This is another example of the Conservative County Council, allowing changes to our road infrastructure, which work badly in practice.’
The Liberal Democrat team has called for the County Council to conduct a full traffic management review of the area and to engage with Highways England to identify short- and long-term solutions. Potential remedies could include improved traffic light sequencing, expanding road capacity, or exploring alternative routes to alleviate pressure from the M5.
The Worcester Liberal Democrats will continue to press for action and are committed to keeping the community informed of any developments.
