Controversial cycle lanes that popped up on Queens Road in Southport are set to stay, with a temporary traffic regulation order being extended for a further 12 months.
The town centre road is currently only open to buses and cyclists, thanks to a trial road scheme that began last year. But it has now been revealed the lanes look set to stay for a while longer, after a recommendation by Sefton Council.
The pop-up cycle lanes divided the town, with councillors from the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives claiming the council hadn't evaluated the effect they had on Southport, and conservative councillors claiming it focused on one demographic of people.
READ MORE: Controversial cycle lane plans 'on hold' after opposition
Now, after the council revealed it was re-evaluating the scheme and looking at "alternative options", it has recommended traffic orders in the town be extended for a further 12 months. As well as the recommendation for an extension on Queens Road, there has been a recommendation to extend the current cycle lanes on Hoghton Street which means there will be no pay and display bays on the street.
The current rules on Talbot Street, including restricted street parking and a one-way route on a part of the road will also remain in place should recommendations be approved. There will also be an introduction of cyclists on the previously pedestrian-only Chapel Street.
It has also been proposed in Bootle that mandatory cycle lanes be introduced on both sides of Merton Road from its junction with Pembroke Road to the junction with Irlam Road. Mandatory cycle lanes has also been recommended for both sides of Irlam Road from the junction with Merton Road to "a point 15m north-east of Ashcroft Street".
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said the remarks about the demographic of the survey were “in reference to the high proportion of respondents to the consultation being in the over 50 age range." The spokesperson added at the time: “The comment acknowledged that the responses had not reflected Southport’s overall population and recognised the need to obtain a wider presentation of responses from all age groups in future similar exercises.”
A decision is to be formally made on June 30.
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