A PETITION has been set up in opposition to major planned changes to roads in the Orford and Westy areas.

Warrington Borough Council last week revealed the proposals under its Central 6 Streets Plan.

One of the most drastic changes will see the introduction of a bus gate on Hallfields Road, making it access-only and allowing only public transport, taxis and bicycles to move between the route and O’Leary Street.

Warrington Guardian:

Angry residents have now established a petition against the plans, which has already been signed by nearly 3,000 people.

The online appeal to the council highlights concerns over an increase in traffic on roads such as Padgate Lane and Winwick Road, as well as a ‘significant increase’ in journey times and a ‘major impact’ on access to businesses.

 

READ MORE > Residents anger at 'ludicrous' plans for roads

Signatories also describe the consultation process as a ‘total farce’.

WBC says its ‘low traffic neighbourhoods’ trial will cut off ‘rat runs’ and improve traffic levels, road safety and air pollution.

The mooted bus lane will be monitored by automatic number plate recognition cameras.

Warrington Guardian:

Elsewhere in Orford, ‘modal filters’ restricting access to streets will be brought in on South Avenue, Mortimer Avenue, Central Avenue, Hale Street, Alder Lane and Fitzherbert Street.

In Westy, this will be applied to Grange Avenue, Griffiths Street and Reynolds Street.

And the one-way system on Broadbent Avenue will be reversed to become westbound only.

Warrington Guardian:

Changes are expected to come into force from Monday, June 20, and will initially be on a temporary basis for a period of 18 months.

WBC’s executive board member for transportation, highways and public realm Cllr Hans Mundry previously said: “This is a really important project which supports our plans to make the streets in our Central 6 wards cleaner and greener for everyone.

“Through this trial, we can take big steps forward in cutting down on the number of cars moving through residential streets in Orford and Westy, reducing air and noise pollution and transforming the environment into one which is much more pleasant, inclusive and safe for people to walk and cycle.

“Of course, the introduction of these measures means there is likely to be an initial period of some disruption due to the changes in routing and travel habits across the neighbourhoods.

“However, once traffic patterns settle down we are looking forward to seeing huge environmental benefits for the local community.”

To sign or view the petition, go to change.org/p/oppose-the-central-6-plan-for-orford-in-warrington.