rob_fmttm
Administrator
A MIDDLESBROUGH road is to be closed in a bid to reduce speeds and the amount of traffic on the route.
The trial closure at the junction of Church Lane and St Mary's Walk in Acklam follows long-standing concerns over traffic levels, speeding and road safety on the ‘access only' road.
Speeds have been recorded well in excess of the 20mph limit and a cyclist was seriously injured near the closure point.
The move follows public consultation, with the experimental measure due to come into force from Monday, October 26.
While residents were split 50/50 for and against the closure, those most directly affected on Church Lane and St Mary's Walk were 81% and 79% in favour respectively.
Councillor Ashley Waters, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, has therefore given the go-ahead for the trial road closure option.
The impact of the closure on traffic - and comments from local residents - will be monitored for between six and 18 months, before a decision is taken on whether the closure should be permanent.
Residents have been informed and road signs will be installed to make motorists aware of the changes.
Councillor Waters said: "The safety of pedestrians and road users is of paramount importance, and the amount of traffic in this area has become a real issue for local people.
"This trial closure is a sensible approach in an effort to address the problem and encourage people to use more suitable traffic routes."
Any feedback should be sent to trafficmanagement@middlesbrough.gov.uk
The trial closure at the junction of Church Lane and St Mary's Walk in Acklam follows long-standing concerns over traffic levels, speeding and road safety on the ‘access only' road.
Speeds have been recorded well in excess of the 20mph limit and a cyclist was seriously injured near the closure point.
The move follows public consultation, with the experimental measure due to come into force from Monday, October 26.
While residents were split 50/50 for and against the closure, those most directly affected on Church Lane and St Mary's Walk were 81% and 79% in favour respectively.
Councillor Ashley Waters, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, has therefore given the go-ahead for the trial road closure option.
The impact of the closure on traffic - and comments from local residents - will be monitored for between six and 18 months, before a decision is taken on whether the closure should be permanent.
Residents have been informed and road signs will be installed to make motorists aware of the changes.
Councillor Waters said: "The safety of pedestrians and road users is of paramount importance, and the amount of traffic in this area has become a real issue for local people.
"This trial closure is a sensible approach in an effort to address the problem and encourage people to use more suitable traffic routes."
- The closure will come into force from Monday, October 26, during school half term week.
Any feedback should be sent to trafficmanagement@middlesbrough.gov.uk
