An experimental bus lane in Salford is set to be made permanent despite a number of objections. A contraflow bus lane on Chapel Street between Victoria Bridge Street and Cathedral Approach was introduced in November 2020 under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order and was due to expire in May.
It was introduced with the objectives of:
- Enhancing the passage of public service vehicles to create more reliable bus journey times.
- Reducing the level of private car journeys in the city centre region to have a positive impact on environmental air quality and promote a safer environment for the public to walk and cycle.
Now, after a report said there had been no collisions on stretch since its introduction, the contraflow bus lane for buses and cyclists will be made permanent.
But it comes to the dismay of Network Rail, who have requested they be given a right to pass and repass in both directions along the full length of Chapel Street at all times. At the meeting, a representative for the firm was told they needed to request this from Salford City Council for a fee, but said in response that they were not given enough time to collate an adequate response together.
Inadequate signage for re-routing was an issue for Q Parks but the council said an advanced information sign has been installed on the eastbound approach on Chapel Street advising motorists they must turn right as there is a bus lane ahead. Other objections came from members of the public who were issued a number of penalty charge notices for going into the bus lanes.
After hearing the objections, lead member Mike McCusker said: “Recommendation is that approval should be granted. I understand the concerns raised by Network Rail, apologies if they feel they did not have adequate notice for this.
“As they have made a written objection during the consultation I feel we have sufficient understanding [of their position]. I am going to support the recommendation in the report.”
