Liverpool city centre roads 'need a re-think'

Nov 30 2007

LIVERPOOL’S road network must be re-examined in the light of the continuing absence of Merseytram, an independent review has ruled.

A new plan to help improve bus circulation must also be developed with the current situation too congested, it is warned.

The study, by Professor Peter Bonsall of Leeds University Institute of Transport, generally agreed with the transport objectives laid down in the £73m City Centre Movement Strategy.

But Prof Bonsall, who was asked to review the strategy, said it would be advisable to look again at the likely performance of the city’s road network because of additional traffic generated by new developments.

In the current absence of Merseytram, he also said a detailed study of public transport demand should be carried out.

His study also highlights concerns that bus congestion and on-street bus layovers are having an adverse effect on the city centre and suggests a bus circulation plan should be developed.

“I see no reason to challenge the objectives of the CCMS or to disagree with its aim to remove extraneous traffic from the city centre or to improve accessibility by bus and on foot,” he said.

The CCMS was put together by Liverpool council, Merseytravel, and Liverpool Vision to improve the roads and public areas of Liverpool city centre.

Professor Bonsall was also asked to review specific CCMS schemes with mixed findings.

At Chapel Street/Tithebarn Street he endorses the design approach but acknowledged that there was a problem of congestion for traffic heading east along Chapel Street.

Among the options he recommends is the removal of the traffic signal junction with Bixteth Street and adjusting traffic light phasing.

At the Adelphi interchange, he recommends retaining the pedestrian apron outside the hotel and calls for more enforcement of traffic illegally using the junction to access the bus lane on Lime Street.

At Seymour Street he suggested there should be changes to the traffic signal phasing which should be taken into account when the junction is re-examined as part of a bus priority route.

The report will be considered by the council’s executive board next Friday.

Cllr Mike Storey, executive member for regeneration, said; “We asked Professor Bonsall to review CCMS as a critical friend and he has produced some very interesting observations.

“Overall he is very supportive of the approach that has been made but has pointed to where improvements can be achieved.

“We asked him to look particularly at areas where motorists have complained about congestion and we will be taking on board his recommendations.

“What has to be remembered about CCMS is that it is a work in progress and its results – such as persuading traffic that does not need to travel through the city centre to use alternative routes – can only be fully seen when it has been completed.”