Census checks cause more tailbacks

THERE were yet more delays on Ipswich's roads today as census officials carried out checks in Duke Street and Bishops Hill.

Queues stretched out of the town centre during the fourth day of the survey, which has been designed with the long-term aim of reducing traffic problems in the growing town centre.

Yesterday the census was operating in St Helen's Street and Grimwade Street and on Tuesday it caused major tailbacks as traffic was pulled over in Stoke Bridge and Princes Street Bridge.

Today, as motorists' frustration continued to grow, the mother of one of the people tasked with carrying out the census asked for drivers to be more considerate.

Ann Allen said: “They work from 7am to 7pm and they and the police are receiving mostly abuse, standing out in the middle of traffic, which in my opinion is not acceptable.

“This census would not be an accurate one if the traffic was not monitored throughout the day. They are just trying to do their job.

“My son is a student home from university earning himself some money.

“I thank the lorry drivers and all the motorists who have been willing to cooperate and have not abused these hard working people.

“In the long run the motorists will benefit from any improvements made. It is only for a couple of weeks after all!”

Suffolk County Council commissioned the study in collaboration with the borough and it is being carried out by transport planning consultants Faber Maunsell with assistance from contractors.

The census will continue for another five days across two weeks.

The county council said the studies will help secure a multi-million pound government investment to improve transport in the town.

Have you been caught up in the delays and have a view on this? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk