Introduction of controversial new Chester bus lanes 'paused'

Cheshire West and Chester Council said in a statement published on Friday evening (August 28) it will 'reflect' on the scheme and listen to feedback.

The new trial bus and cycle lanes on the A51 Boughton and A5116 Liverpool Road caused tailbacks across the city last weekend, despite not being operational.

Motorists were not aware the lanes had yet to be activated as there was no signage indicating that to be the case, something which the council apologised for earlier this week.

Among those objecting were Huntington Parish Council, which wrote an open letter to CWaC this week.

The letter from Cllr David Whitehead, chairman and writing on behalf og Huntington Parish Council, said: "We have received numerous messages and emails from our residents who have raised their concerns and unsurprisingly were stuck in the resulting traffic jams over the weekend.

"We, as a parish council, wholly support climate initiatives that look to encourage wider use of public transport and therefore look to reduce emissions in Huntington and the city as a whole, proven by our wide circulation and contribution of the walking and cycling consultation.

"However, we feel that we have been significantly let down as a result of no communication, no public engagement and more importantly, no justification for, what on the face of it, looks like it may impact our environment in the opposite way than intended due to extra standing traffic and rise in emissions.

"This is no way to treat the residents and taxpayers of our city."

Now CWaC says it will be listening to feedback from residents as it pauses the introduction of the scheme, which had intended to run from September 8 for a six-month period, with reviews every two months.

Motorists are encouraged to continue using both lanes on the roads.

The council was spurred into installing the new lanes as a result of the Government’s ‘Gear Change’ vision, published in July, which highlighted the need to accelerate active travel, with councils told to re-allocate road space for significantly increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians, with some streets becoming bus and bike only.

Over the last few months the council has consulted with the public on plans for a number of potential active travel initiatives, including trial cycle and bus lanes across the borough. The A51 and A5116 were both identified as immediate suitable corridors for this purpose and the council received funding of £161,000 from the Department of Transport for these and other active travel schemes.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: “The issues we are facing require a step change in cycling, walking and public transport.

"This is vital to address challenging issues including improving air quality, combatting climate change, improving health and wellbeing, and addressing inequalities.

“We have received Government funding for combined cycle and bus lanes that require delivering at pace.

“We pride ourselves on being a listening council and have been taking heed of people’s feedback about their introduction. We would like to thank everyone for their input so far. We are now going to take a pause and reflect on the feedback we have received.

"This is very much an experimental process, and we are keen to continue to listen and learn.”

Residents and road users still have the opportunity to share their views on these initiatives as part of an ongoing consultation exercise.  

Observations received will help shape future decision making. To have your say, email transportstrategy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

Further updates will be provided in due course. In the meantime, both lanes of A51 Boughton and A5116 Liverpool Road are in use for all motorists, and the experimental cycle and bus lanes here are not in use.