A High Wycombe councillor has warned that the “sheer weight” of traffic on one of the town’s busiest routes is contributing to mounting problems and has called on Buckinghamshire Council to invest in improvements.

Trevor Snaith, independent councillor for Marsh & Micklefield Ward, says London Road is in urgent need of attention, citing both deteriorating infrastructure and ongoing traffic management concerns.

Speaking to the Free Press, he argued that funding linked to the Abbey Barn development should be used to address the issues and bring much-needed upgrades to the route.

Among the improvements he is calling for are clearer road markings, many of which have faded over time, and changes to traffic light sequencing to improve the overall flow of vehicles.

Trevor Snaith has been based in High Wycombe in 30 years (Image: NQ)

In June 2025, proposals by Berkeley Group to build 50 new homes in the area were approved by Buckinghamshire Council, around 18 months after they were first submitted.

Mr Snaith believes that developer contributions associated with the scheme present an opportunity to invest in the surrounding road network.

Concerns have also been raised by residents about driver behaviour in the area. Some have reported regularly witnessing motorists stopping in yellow box junctions, driving through red lights, and failing to give way correctly at traffic calming measures.

While Mr Snaith acknowledged that poor driving cannot be entirely prevented, he stressed that better road design and maintenance could help reduce risks and improve safety.

“The London Road needs a huge overhaul,” he said.

“You can never fully get around bad driving, but the condition of the road and how it operates clearly needs improving.

“I’ve asked for Councillor Broom and council officers to come out and see it for themselves, because many of the road markings have significantly faded.

“If officers can see the situation on the ground, it becomes much clearer why this needs addressing.”

The London Road is based in High Wycombe (Image: Maps)

As part of a wider solution, he also suggested introducing smart traffic lights, which can adapt in real time to changing traffic conditions and help ease congestion along the route.

Responding to the concerns, Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, said the authority is committed to keeping roads safe and accessible.

“We want everyone travelling around High Wycombe to be able to do so safely and without unnecessary disruption,” he said.

“We’re aware of residents’ concerns about driving and parking behaviour on a number of roads, and we take these issues seriously.

“Our civil enforcement officers regularly patrol the area and will take action against vehicles parked illegally or causing obstruction.

“However, enforcement of moving traffic offences, such as going through red lights or misusing yellow box junctions, is the responsibility of Thames Valley Police.”

He added that all road users have a duty to follow the Highway Code and encouraged anyone witnessing dangerous driving to report it to the police.

The council, he said, will continue working with partners to monitor the situation and improve road safety across the town.