Council U-turns on aspects of Westy Central 6 Streets Plan

The controversial and experimental low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) scheme went live in June, introducing wooden planters as modal filters to block certain roads.

The aim was to reduce traffic, prevent drivers from using residential streets for ‘rat running’, improve air quality and create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

However, the scheme received a strong backlash from angry residents, who made their views known in the form of protests and answering surveys.

One such survey between July and September received 986 responses, with a council review monitoring information collected on traffic patterns and impacts.

This identified issues including an increase in access traffic and speed on residential streets such as Lindley Avenue and Broadbent Avenue.

There are also challenges accessing homes in the Griffiths Street and Reynolds Street areas, and difficulties operating the lockable bollard on Reynolds Street to provide access for school coach trips.

Residents also reported that planters are appearing overgrown and untidy.

To address these concerns and issues, the council says it will be making a number of changes to the scheme.

These include the removal of the planters at the north end of Griffiths Street to allow greater access options to homes in this area.

The bollard on Reynolds Street will also be removed and the eastbound one-way from Davies Avenue to the planters at Tinsley Street will be extended.

The aim of this is to improve access to Reynolds Street, relieve pressure on Longdin Street and allow coaches to pick up from schools unhindered.

Moreover, Broadbent Avenue will be restored to two-way traffic between Griffiths Street and Davies Avenue.

Residents took to the streets to protest the LTN scheme (Image: Dave Gillespie)

In addition, there will be an increase in the maintenance of the planters that remain in place during the trial.

The changes will be made to the LTN in the first week of November, and a letter is being sent to all Westy residents.

Details of the changes are also being published on the council’s website and social media channels.

Monitoring of the impacts of the revised scheme will continue, with a full monitoring and evaluation report publicly available at the completion of the trial.

A new public survey will go live in early 2023 to help the council understand how the revised scheme is working.

The feedback received will inform any future decision as to whether the scheme is made permanent or not. This decision is expected to be made in six months’ time.

Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, said: “The introduction of the experimental LTN in Westy is aimed at reducing through-traffic and improving conditions for people living in the area.

“We believe that such schemes are a vital tool in delivering against some of our commitments – such as combatting the climate emergency, improving air quality, supporting healthier and more active lives and encouraging more people to walk and cycle.

“We do recognise however that schemes which aim to change common travel habits can be unpopular.

“That is why from the outset we have pledged to listen to views of residents about the trial LTN in Westy, with public feedback helping to shape the proposals. Our revised plans are the next step forward in this discussion.

“We have carefully reviewed the feedback from our extensive survey, along with our own monitoring data, and we are making changes which respond to a number of the concerns raised.

“These discussions will continue, and we will keep engaging with our communities about the revised scheme – with further consultation to take place in the new year.”

To see the revised plans for the Westy LTN, view the survey report in full and find out more about the Central 6 Streets Plan, visit warrington.gov.uk/central-6-streets-plan