Executive Summary
Evaluation Report (Executive summary) March 2024
In 2021 we consulted residents to find out what they think of their streets. The engagement included online design workshops. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and local ward members then developed initial proposals for this scheme from the received feedback.
The Parsonage Road area is a neighbourhood in Withington. It’s negatively affected by traffic, so we want to create a network of safer streets within the area. As a response to the issues caused by the heavy traffic, we want to encourage people to walk and cycle more. We arranged a community workshop to identify locations for ‘modal filters’ to be placed. The aim of these is to stop rat running. In 2022 we took over management and development of the scheme from TfGM.
In August 2023, we began a trial. This involved nine temporary modal filters and the introduction of one-way streets in a residential area, centred around Parsonage Road. The trial has now lasted over six months.
The scheme objectives were to:
- Reduce the amount and speed of traffic through the area.
- Reduce the severance caused by roads;
- Provide safe pedestrian and cycle access to key destinations such as public transport stops;
- Improve residents’ mental and physical health by encouraging physical activity. Less traffic also reduces road danger and improves air quality;
- Support Manchester’s ‘Active Travel’ programme, development of the Bee Network and links to local cycling and walking infrastructure plan (LCWIP) centres; and,
- Make the area a more attractive place to live and a pleasant place to spend time.
Data was collected in the area during 2021. To support the Business Case for this scheme traffic flow and speeds were collected at key locations. This data was used to set a baseline. We measured the same area twice during the trial. Traffic was measured again in September 2023, and February 2024.
Analysis of the figures shows that:
- traffic levels were drastically reduced in the northwestern part of the trial area. On average, traffic flow was 50% less in September 2023. A further reduction(55%) was recorded in February 2024 - compared to the 2021 baseline levels. The speed of traffic here decreased by an average of 15%
- There has been an increase in traffic around the southwest of the area since the start of the trial. Traffic flow was up by14% soon after the trial began. It went down to 6% after six months. That suggests that there was a period of ‘bedding in’ while traffic adjusted to the new road layouts. The same area also saw an average reduction in traffic speed of 16 - 23%
- Average speeds reduced by 15% during the trial
- Only a limited amount of initial data was collected in the eastern half of the area before the trial. This makes it difficult to draw any conclusion about the impacts of the modal filters
- Our data from the northern boundary road showed only limited change in traffic flow. This suggests that there was not a significant reassignment of traffic.
Findings from the trial suggest that further reductions in traffic speed and numbers is possible. If the trial period was extended, the road network would adjust to the new layout.
An online form was made available during the trial. Residents used it to submit their feedback. They were also asked to say if they want the scheme to be made permanent. The survey results are:
- 69% have a ‘negative’ or ’very negative’ view of the trial
- 29% have a ‘positive’ or ‘very positive’ view.
- 64% said the interventions would not make them more inclined to walk or cycle, or spend more time outdoors
- 27% stated they would be more likely to walk or cycle or spend more time outdoors.
An evaluation report was produced at the end of the trial period for this scheme. The executive summary of the report is available on request, please email parsonage@manchester.gov.uk
The information slides are available to download:
- Community Feedback
- Traffic Monitoring Locations
- Traffic Monitoring Data
- Traffic Speeds
- Traffic Flows