When traffic calming measures were introduced as part of a trial scheme in Levenshulme and Burnage at the start of 2021, they were met with fury from a large number of residents who set themselves against the plans.
But more than two and a half years on, the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Travel Neighbourhood project, which aims to improve road safety and air pollution, is now set to become a permanent reality as Manchester Council reveals it has received £7m in funding to finalise plans.
The brunt of the concerns from local residents at the time of its launch were aimed at a series of ‘strategically placed’ planters that doubled up as road filters. Within hours of being installed - and therefore blocking vehicle access - some of the filters were knocked over and damaged in acts of vandalism.
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There were also concerns when residents claimed emergency services, such as ambulances and fire engines, were getting ‘stuck’ and having to reroute around the filters. Other cars were also seen driving ‘around’ the filters onto the pavement on some occasions.
Others, who said they were behind the scheme in principle, felt the council’s initial attempts were ‘half a job’ despite having been in the works since 2018 and felt planters were installed without much instruction on how drivers should use it to make adjustments to their journeys.
From the get-go, Manchester Council said it would take residents' feedback on board throughout the trial to look at how the scheme can be most beneficial. Since its inception, feedback has led to more visible signs and the removal and relocation of some filters.
Feedback will now also be used to develop the final stage of the scheme as part of a £7m joint funding from Manchester City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The scheme would continue to have road safety at its focus, while also encouraging residents to walk and cycle instead of driving when possible. A further consultation will soon take place regarding the prospect of including an additional crossing on the A6, expanding the provision of high-quality and safer walking and cycling routes to local shops and facilities.
“The successful delivery of the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood has long been a top priority for the Council,” Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said.
“However, when dealing with a scheme of this nature, which elicits such passion and community feedback, it is vital that we get it right.
“I am pleased that in partnership with TfGM on behalf of the Combined Authority we have developed a scheme that will improve road safety and encourage people to choose active travel more often.”
Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive Officer at TfGM, added: “I am pleased to confirm that by working together with partners, we can support and progress with an Active Neighbourhood for Levenshulme and Burnage that works for residents and aligns with our Bee Network ambitions.
“The Bee Network will deliver a fully-integrated transport network bringing together trams, buses, walking, wheeling, cycling and eventually trains in Greater Manchester. “
Final approval of the scheme will come through MCC and GMCA governance processes. A full programme of the planned works, including details of the A6 crossing consultation, will be published soon.
