More measures are being taken to reduce the amount of cars on Deansgate, the council has announced. It’s part of a push to have nine in ten city centre journeys car-free by 2040.
The new rules are ‘interim’, the authority has said, replacing the ‘temporary’ scheme on the thoroughfare which has been in place since the start of the pandemic. The council says support for reducing cars remains strong, and is keen to capitalise on this.
Part of the scheme will see the removal of the high-vis 'wands’, which have marked out cycling paths, to be replaced with more permanent infrastructure. Other measures are designed to keep access open to public transport.
READ MORE: What you have to do to get a £1,000 a month flat in town these days is 'crazy'
Transport bosses at the council say they represent a ‘positive step’. Coun Tracey Rawlins, executive member for environment and transport, said: “The Council has a long-standing vision for the future of Deansgate and these latest measures are a positive step towards that.
“With the right changes we want to encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport in Manchester and by focusing on one of the most heavily used streets in the city we believe that our ambition is on clear display.”
What do you think of the plans? Have your say in our comments.
The main features will include:
-
Bus gate and Deansgate one-way southbound between Blackfriars and King Street – buses and taxis only. Segregated cycle facilities included.
-
Traffic one way southbound between King Street west and Quay Street.
-
Bridge Street westbound bus gate, located west of Gartside Street (eastbound traffic unaffected).
-
Existing access will remain across Deansgate at St Ann Street, King Street and Bridge Street.
-
Right-turn ban from Bridge Street onto Deansgate will be removed.
-
Northbound contraflow cycle provision between Bridge Street and Blackfriars.
-
Two-way cycle lane between Quay Street and Bridge Street.
Other changes have also been proposed including improvements to the barriers, cones and signs which have until now separated vehicles on the road. More attractive bollards, signs and road markings will be put in place.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
-
Top surgeon says he was victim of 'racial triaging' at Manchester Airport security
-
Boy, 11, rushed to hospital with serious injuries after 'hit-and-run' crash
-
Manchester mum who has gone viral with yellow sticker haul shares her supermarket saving tips
-
'I didn't marry my wife knowing I was gay. It cost me my job'
