FOUR schemes aimed at keeping the traffic moving along a busy Poole commercial road have been approved by councillors.

Borough of Poole’s transportation advisory group has recommended that £1million worth of improvements go ahead in Ashley Road, Parkstone.

The options to make travel easier along the often congested road, which in part has air quality below the pollution standard, have been worked up following initial responses from 1,300 people as part of the Three Towns Travel project.

Schemes approved by councillors involve a different layout to the Mansfield Road junction, with more pedestrian crossings, cyclist priority and signals linked to the Richmond Road junction.

The Richmond Road junction will be similarly improved and changes to the central area from Churchill Road to Albert Road, which include a new island crossing, reducing the road width and separating on-street parking from bus clearways, are designed to improve the air quality.

The fourth scheme, from Weymouth Road to Mansfield Road, aims to minimise the impact of parking bays and loading bays on through traffic.

However, two of the schemes would mean the loss of up to 13 parking spaces, which has been opposed by traders and shoppers.

“The extensive public engagement exercise has provided a wealth of information which will be extremely useful in developing a long term vision for Ashley Road,” said Julian McLaughlin, head of transportation services in his report.

He added they had received “overwhelming support” for the proposals.

“While there are still some local parking issues to resolve, we would hope to move forward on these major improvement schemes over the coming months, subject to the decision being made by the relevant portfolio holder.”

Cabinet portfolio holder Cllr Xena Dion is due to make the decision on Wednesday.