A residential road in Essex is set to be closed for up to 18 months as part of a scheme aimed at tackling long-running traffic concerns.
The move is expected to significantly change how drivers travel through part of a town, with residents now being invited to have their say before a final decision is made.
Essex County Council has announced plans to introduce an experimental closure on Old Road in Harlow from Monday, October 19, following years of complaints from residents about drivers using the road as a shortcut between Cambridge Road and Gilden Way.
The closure will be installed between the junctions with Hart Road and The Hoo and will form part of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).
While residents and businesses will continue to have vehicle access, it will only be possible from one direction.
People walking and cycling will still be able to travel through the area in both directions.
Although a formal consultation period will run for six months after the closure is introduced, the restrictions themselves could remain in place for a maximum of 18 months while the council monitors their impact and decides whether they should become permanent.
An ETRO allows local authorities to test new traffic measures in real-world conditions before making a final decision.
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Councillor Mark Webster, Essex County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: "Residents and local councillors have called for action to tackle rat running in this part of Old Harlow for a number of years.
"Old Road is a residential street and not an appropriate route for longer distance through-traffic.
"The experimental closure will stop drivers from using Old Road as a shortcut and aims to make it a quieter, safer and more pleasant place for residents.
"We recognise there may be divided opinions about the closure and we are keen to hear views from both sides.
"The trial will provide an opportunity for residents to share their views and for us to consider the evidence before we make a decision about whether to make the closure permanent."
Residents will be able to submit comments during the first six months of the trial.
A final decision on whether to retain the closure permanently is expected by next summer and no later than spring 2028.
More information about the scheme and how to take part in the consultation is available via Essex Highways.
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