ROADS boss Gordon Edgar claims one-way systems will be a thing of the past in Selkirk.
And he puts the decision down to a lack of money.
A row over ownership of a crumbling wall on Yarrow Terrace had led to a six year stand-off between the owners of the Glen Hotel and Scottish Borders Council.
And for almost four year drivers have been forced to observe a one-way system around Yarrow Terrace, Buccleuch Road and Mill Street.
For some drivers and residents it was an inconvenience and a danger, but for many others it was welcome.
With work on the wall approaching completion calls are being made for the one-way system to be reinstated on a permanent basis.
But Councillor Edgar, who represents Selkirkshire, believes costs will prevent any new road layout.
He said: "There is no way that we will get a permanent one-way system within the next five years - there simply isn't the money.
"When the wall work is completed next month the roads will return to their original two-way systems."
A one-way system around Yarrow Terrace had been explored almost two decades ago in a bid to make the Etrrick Road junction safer.
And during the recent temporary traffic changes engineers from Scottish Borders Council carried out a full survey.
But they found the cost of new road markings, improved junctions and a Traffic Regulation Order would come to around £220,000.
Fellow Selkirkshire councillor Michelle Ballantyne doesn't believe there is a demand for the one-way system to be retained.
She told this week's meeting of Selkirk Community Council: "For every person who wants the one-way system there is one who doesn't."
Yarrow Terrace is due to return to two-way traffic at the start of April.
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