Future of controversial A56 cycle lanes in Trafford to be decided

The future of controversial cycle lanes along the A56 and across Trafford is set to be decided by the council.

The authority is looking to hear from the public to help it decide whether to make the pop-up measures permanent.

They were installed by the council along Chester Road and elsewhere at the start of lockdown to help promote active travel and social distancing.

Some residents fear traffic pushed away from the A56 would end up clogging up the roads outside their homes, leading to more congestion on the smaller routes around the borough.

Bus routes have also been affected by the pop-up lanes and bus companies, drivers, local businesses and locals have complained about them.

But cyclists, who staged a string of events last summer, and some councillors are calling for the lanes to become a permanent feature.

Now, Trafford council has announced it will be launching a six-week public consultation – from November 1 until December 12.

Coun Stephen Adshead said: “The temporary cycle lanes were installed during the early lockdown as part of a campaign by the government and local authorities to promote active travel and social distancing.

“We have now reached a point where more cars are back on the roads and we need to assess how we manage the increased traffic whilst also supporting active travel.

“We will work very closely with residents on this and give everyone in the area the chance to have their say on the lanes and their future.

“I would urge as many people as possible to take part in the consultation in the week beginning November 1.”

Residents will be given details of how to take part in the consultation in the coming weeks.