RESIDENTS in Otley have slammed an “idiotic” new one-way system for causing traffic chaos.

Complaints have been flooding in ever since the scheme, for Charles Street, Nelson Street and Walkergate, went live last weekend.

Intended to improve traffic flow in the town, the change has so far had the opposite effect, causing tailbacks and, at times, gridlock.

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) has written to Leeds City Council to raise his concerns and ask what had been done to predict the impact of the system before it was approved.

An online petition demanding that the authority abandon the scheme has also been launched, and has attracted nearly 300 signatures within days.

Started by resident and well-known fundraiser Mel Metcalfe, the petition reads: “This (system) has made it very difficult for commuters and drivers going through, in, and out of Otley and is adding at least an extra 30 minutes onto people’s journeys.

“It’s bedlam at rush hour and has made the already congested roads even more so.”

It also claims that the city council has spent a lot of money on “trying to fix a problem that wasn’t there”.

Tony Grey, landlord of The Junction Inn on Bondgate, said: “The newly installed traffic management system was ill conceived, causing traffic chaos.

“I predicted this and told Leeds as much in the consultation process. The traffic chaos will add to the town’s carbon footprint and lead to businesses losing trade as people avoid the town.

“And when the work was completed diversion signs that were left directed motorists to turn into the one way system the wrong way.

“No street furniture has been changed, so mayhem ensues.”

Scores of people have also made their feelings very clear online through social media sites, including on the Otley – Open for Business Facebook page, which notes that the change has “created gridlock at times”.

Jamie Hudson, who runs Otley firm Futurist Sound and Light, warned that his company could lose up to £1,500 over the coming year in wasted time, plus fuel, if things don’t improve.

Otley Methodist Church secretary John Burland said: “It’s an absolute shambles!

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: “The changes do seem to have caused some issues and when the proposals were first put forward we expressed some concerns about the impact on other areas of the town.

“We are asking for an emergency meeting with highways to look at this and see what can be done.”

Leeds City Council said it was assessing the situation.