A group of neighbours are opposing a new travel scheme which would lead to cars being banned from a road in favour of cyclists and pedestrians. Nottinghamshire County Council has proposed the changes to Dovecote Lane in Beeston and said the road was narrow at its northern end and it was keen to make cycling more appealing for all ages.
Previously, Nottinghamshire Live went and visited the road to ask what residents thought - getting a positive response. Now, residents strongly oppose plans, thinking it will make things far worse.
Cynthia Wood, 60, who is retired and lives on Barton Street next to Dovecote Lane, thinks the scheme is a 'bad idea'. She aded: "I've lived here seven years and it has never been a rat run. It's a bad idea and I've objected to it.
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"This road isn't busy and it would be hard for visitors or people who did not know the area. I think it would be a great shame, I know a lot of people feel similar."
The road will be subject to an "Experimental Traffic Regulation Order" (ETRO) - and local residents, cyclists and motorists can provide feedback to the council. The consultation comes after the council negotiated an extension with the Department for Transport to work on the proposals following concerns from the local community.
Tracey Covli, 59, retired, of Dovecote Lane, feels very strongly against the proposal. She said: "It's a bad idea, so many people are strongly against it. I drive down this road every single day and it isn't a rat run.
"There are lots of vulnerable people on the street and access to emergency services is a big deal, it will affect that. It could make the street a lot worse."
A resident of Dovecote Lane who wished to remain anonymous, says people use the road as a cut-through. She added: "Our main concern is about the fire service and ambulances just shooting straight down, it will affect that. I've been to meetings to oppose it, we don't want it.
"It will mean people won't be able to access the road from Middle Street and luckily we've got garages to store our cars but it will affect others." Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, chairman of the transport and environment committee at the county council, said: “Dovecote Lane is a key cycle route, not just locally, but also more widely as part of the strategic cycle network.
"Around 80 cycle trips currently take place on Dovecote Lane each day, but the road is very narrow at the northern end, and we are keen to make it more appealing for cyclists of all ages. We know that nearby residents and motorists have concerns about the changes we are proposing in this area, and that’s why we are undertaking this further consultation.
"I would encourage all residents in the area and others who use the road to have their say and I look forward to receiving the feedback at a future meeting of the Transport and Environment Committee.” The consultation is open until April 13, 2022 and can be completed online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/dovecotelane
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