What is the scheme about?
This scheme aims to improve local areas by tackling issue, found in earlier consultations.
Traffic safety issues, including rat-running (driving on residential streets to avoid heavy traffic), speed and volume have been highlighted by analysis of traffic data and community feedback undertaken to date. Data has shown that a significant amount of vehicle traffic through Levenshulme and North Burnage doesn’t have a start or end point in the area, but is using local streets to rat-run to places outside the area. This is what the measures we are suggesting aim to reduce.
A key opportunity of the Active Neighbourhood approach is to reduce total vehicle journeys, while redirecting ‘rat running’ traffic away from local residential streets. This is achieved by locating strategically placed filters (such as planters) on residential streets, to prevent through traffic but still retain access to all properties for residents, businesses, maintenance vehicles and emergency services.
In addition to the filters, we’ve taken feedback on board and would now like you to comment on some additions to the trial, such as pedestrian crossing sites and traffic calming measures on the outer boundary roads. Some of these features will become permanent if the scheme’s funding is successful.
We hope that the measures we are suggesting will:
- Encourage people to walk or cycle for short trips.
- Help to reduce air pollution locally
- Improve walking and cycling routes to local places like shops, schools and libraries.
- Make it easier and safer to reach bus stops and train stations by foot or bike.
- Make it easier to cross the busier roads in the neighbourhoods by reducing traffic or providing crossing facilities.
Alongside this project, we are also working with schools in this area to explore and trial ‘School Streets’, where busy roads surrounding schools may be closed (except for access to and from local properties) at certain times of day. Local communication will take place around this as plans are made with the individual schools.
For more information and to voice your comments, have your say. Additional information, maps and FAQ's can also be found on the commonplace site before you submit your comment