AFTER eleven months of traffic chaos on Alton’s roads, residents living on diversion routes are celebrating a return to “near normality”.

Diversions had been in place for most of 2019 to facilitate the replacement of Butts Bridge.

This has seen thousands of vehicles diverted northbound each day along Ackender Road.

“It has been a year best forgotten,” commented Ackender Road Residents’ Association chairman Mike Gray.

“Everyday there were examples of drivers deliberately ignoring the signs, including drivers of HGVs. Others defied the one way signs to the consternation of on-coming traffic.”

He went on to explain that the temporary pedestrian lights also caused “tension and confusion” by showing green lights to traffic in both directions on parts of the road which are two way.

“Residents wishing to drive south through those lights were often subject to abuse, and to aggressive driving from northbound drivers who erroneously thought they had the sole right of way,” he added.

Mr Gray said “for many residents it means that for the first time since last winter they are able to use their front bedrooms again”.

Though not officially part of the diversion, Queens Road saw an increase in rat-running traffic.

“It is a great delight to revert to the more peaceful days of 2018,” said Queens Road resident Nancy Clarke.

However, speeding remains a serious issue on both roads despite set backs for campaigners.

Association secretary Rosie Hayward said: “Whilst Hampshire County Council has rejected the recent bid, by the whole family of roads around Ackender Road, for the town centre 20mph zone to be extended, residents know that their case is fully justified by Department for Transport guidelines on such matters.

“We will not let this issue rest.”

The association is now keen to see recent damage caused to the road surface repaired as soon as possible.