Stevenson Square – enquiry responses
Stevenson Square – partial reopening enquiry responses
Since we reopened the south-west quadrant of Stevenson Square to buses and hackney carriages (and blue badge holders as part of a pilot) on 30 December 2022, we have had quite a lot of enquiries and responses, which the following information seeks to address
Enforcement action
Vehicles stopping in this section of the road will not be permitted, it is intended for through traffic only. Enforcement will be in place to ensure no other vehicles access this street, drivers who breach the regulation will be subject to a penalty charge notice. Enforcement Officers will regularly be on site checking that vehicles are complying.
Bus and taxi operators have been advised of this and have been provided with alternative lay over areas.
Future aspirations for the square
The Council has for some time now been committed to the full pedestrianisation of Stevenson Square. As an interim measure before full pedestrianisation, limited access will be available for buses, hackney carriages, and disabled blue badge holders in a small area of the square.
The vast majority of the space in the square has been preserved for pedestrians and cyclists, and we will continue to work with businesses to ensure they can maximise the benefits of these changes.
The Council ambition is to be at the forefront of a switch towards walking and cycling in the city centre and turning places like Stevenson Square into vibrant and economically strong neighbourhoods.
The partial reopening of the square to allow bus access means most of the square will remain closed to traffic and be pedestrianised.
Reason behind the reopening (legal objection process)
The square originally closed in 2020 under temporary Covid powers to encourage people back into the city. Experience has shown that giving more space for pedestrians and cyclists has been incredibly positive and signalled a shift in how people want to interact and engage with the city.
Notwithstanding, the latest consultation held in December 2021 highlighted that there is a need to balance access to the square for all users, including those travelling into the city centre on public transport. To meet this need, the council proposes to update the draft plans and close three quarters of the square to vehicles and provide limited access via Lever Street for buses, hackney carriages and disabled blue badge holders to link up with Oldham Street and Piccadilly connections.
The planned scheme works (due to be delivered in May 2023)
Work will continue to implement walking and cycle-friendly changes to the remainder of the square, this will include a two-way cycle lane through the square, new pedestrian and cycle crossings at the junction of Oldham Street/Hilton Street, and Newton Street/Hilton Street, as well as widened footpaths giving over more space for pedestrians.
- The pedestrianisation of most of Stevenson Square.
- A two-way cycle lane will run through Stevenson Square at carriageway level, with cycleway demarcation blocks on one side, and tactile crossings put in place and new signage for cyclist.
- Pedestrian and cyclist crossings will be installed at the junctions of Oldham Street/Hilton Street, and Newton Street/Hilton Street. Footpaths will be widened in the area to give more space over to pedestrians.
- Pay and display bays in Hilton Street will be removed.
- Some loading bays in the area will be relocated to allow for these changes to be made, whilst still retaining important space for businesses to trade.