CALLS for changes to a controversial Salisbury road layout will be debated by councillors after fresh concerns were raised over safety at the Fisherton Street pinch-point.

Salisbury City Council has received a formal Highways Improvement Request over the narrow section near Water Lane where drivers heading into the city have priority over traffic travelling westbound out of town.

At the centre of the row are the large red metal planters installed as part of the Fisherton Gateway project in October 2024.

Drivers say they block visibility and have contributed to repeated “near misses” and at least one collision.

Documents prepared for councillors claim the pinch-point has become a hotspot for dangerous driving and confusion, with concerns first raised at a recent Cycle Liaison Panel meeting.

A Road Safety Audit carried out by AtkinsRéalis after the scheme opened highlighted serious problems with visibility.

The report stated: “Whilst westbound vehicle users approaching the narrowing can see oncoming vehicles to the left of the two planters, once they become stationary at the give way line, it is difficult or not possible to see further along Fisherton Street to subsequent approaching vehicles.

“Numerous instances of drivers failing to give way to oncoming traffic… led to avoiding action to prevent head-on collisions.”

(Picture: Salisbury City Council)

According to the report, some motorists were even forced onto the pavement and across tactile paving to avoid crashes; creating a risk to pedestrians.

(Picture: Salisbury City Council)

The recommendation was clear: “The planters should be relocated or replaced by lower-level planters that do not obstruct forward visibility.”

Wiltshire Council has so far decided against making changes and is continuing to monitor official accident figures.

Critics argue those figures do not tell the full story.

One example highlighted in the request form was a collision between a BMW and a cyclist on April 24, captured on Salisbury City Council CCTV but not formally reported to police.

Supporters of change say removing the planters would be quick and relatively cheap, as they are not fixed to the ground.

The issue will be discussed at Monday’s planning committee meeting.