The Inner Distribution Road was proposed as a radical solution to the regular build up of traffic in the town centre, and the air and noise pollution that accompanied it.

It opened in 1969, after much controversy because the route necessitated the destruction of several central Reading neighbourhoods.

[3] In 2006 local radio station Reading 107 conducted a survey asking if the road should become a one-way system, over 90% of people thought that there should be a public enquiry before any proposed changes go ahead.

[5] Development plans created in 2003 to build a deck over the Inner Distribution Road to enable the expansion of Chatham Place were abandoned in 2009.

[6] Speaking at an event to mark the completion of the Chatham Place redevelopment in February 2016, Tony Page, Deputy Leader of the council, said "Part of our vision for this area is to one day cover over the IDR to shield off all of the noise; it is an aspiration that we intend to work on in the future.