WITH visitors expected to flock to Barry Island this weekend for the opening of Barry Island Pleasure Park, the Vale Council’s Highways department is trialling new traffic management arrangements to easy congestion.

With news that Barry Island Pleasure park will be open in time for the Easter weekend, it is hoped that these new arrangements will help ease traffic congestion over the Bank Holiday period.

The new traffic system will see new road markings and signage at the eastern end of Harbour Road indicating a change in lane priorities.

As motorists approach the roundabout there will be a dedicated left turn lane toward the Harbour Road car park, with no right turn into Paget Road.

Part of Paget Road will then be closed between the junction with Station Approach Road and Friars Road to prevent a right turn at the roundabout.

Vale of Glamorgan council Operational Manager for Highways, Michael Clogg, said: “We’re hoping for a bumper Easter weekend this year with the promenade redevelopment open and the Pleasure Park hopefully up and running, so we want to make it as easy as possible for people to visit.

“With plenty of parking on offer at Nell’s Point and Harbour Road, and these new traffic management arrangements making it easier to get in and out of Barry, we’re hoping to see plenty of people out enjoying themselves.”

The Highways department will closely monitor these arrangements over the Bank Holiday weekend and future weekends. If it proves to be of help to residents, visitors and traders in easing congestion, the trial will be extended through the summer.