WARRINGTON Borough Council is planning make some of the changes implemented on roads in the town centre as a result of the coronavirus pandemic permanent.

Temporary alterations were made to a number of streets earlier this year as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak in order to promote social distancing.

But some of them could now remain in place permanently as part of the council’s Local Transport Plan.

These include removing the restriction near to Warrington Bus Interchange and instead installing a bus lane along Scotland Road between Cockhedge Way and the Cockhedge Centre.

The one-way system on Bold Street would remain reversed, and no vehicular access will be allowed from Barbauld Street onto Wilson Patten Street.

Motorists will be unable to turn left onto Sankey Street from Winmarleigh Street, and there will be no westbound traffic on Academy Way.

It is hoped that the move will ‘reduce through traffic and promote active travel within the town centre’.

WBC has launched a public consultation on the proposals, which will run until Christmas Eve.

Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: “Our Local Transport Plan sets out our commitment to increase active travel and reduce congestion in Warrington.

“These temporary changes have focused on through routes which were routinely used by motorists to cut through the town centre.

“This increase in traffic volumes and speed, as well the environmental impacts of noise and vehicle emissions, has made our town centre streets much less attractive for people who live and work here and mean they are not user friendly for pedestrians, cyclists and those with disabilities.

“We believe that making these measures permanent will allow them to be more readily understood by drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

“They will reduce the volume of through traffic, create a more attractive environment for all and support our long term aims to promote greater levels of walking and cycling.

“The intention is not to restrict access to the town centre for those people who live, work or visit.

“These proposals, while removing unnecessary through traffic, would retain vehicular access into the town centre and ensure traffic will be able to circulate within the heart of our town.

“We know a range of people – from residents and businesses, to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians – will have views on these proposals.

“Please make sure you get involved in the consultation and have your say.

“All views will be taken on board.”

To have your say, email eatf@warrington.gov.uk or go to warrington.gov.uk/active-travel-consultation.