Published 3/9/2026 By William Turtle-Clark

Herefordshire Council has clarified why a proposed right-turn ban onto Hereford's main A49 has not been implemented, six months after announcing the change.

The council consulted the public in January on plans to stop drivers turning right from the western end of Hinton Road, near the Welsh Social Club, onto A49 Ross Road just ahead of the Asda roundabout.

Opponents expressed concern that the restriction would divert additional traffic onto Holme Lacy Road, where roadworks are ongoing, while forcing Hinton residents and social club visitors into an extra mile-long detour.

However, an equal number of residents supported the change alongside local ward and city councillor Kevin Tillett, while emergency services raised no objections.

In March, the council determined that road safety concerns outweighed local objections and confirmed it would move forward with the junction ban.

Six months on, no physical changes have been carried out at the site. A council spokesperson stated that the restriction "remains a priority for the council".

The spokesperson said: "The scheme requires a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which means there is a legal process to complete, as well as physical work needed on site.

"We are working with our new highways contractor, M Group, to progress the scheme and make sure the legal process and construction work are properly coordinated."

The council admitted the project "has taken longer to progress than originally expected" and noted it cannot yet confirm an implementation date while delivery arrangements, legal procedures, and operational steps are finalised.

Previous council data recorded 400 vehicles making the right turn during a six-hour window. The scheme is estimated to cost between £10,000 and £15,000, covering consultation, paperwork, road markings, advertising, and a new no-right-turn sign on Hinton Road.