A CONTROVERSIAL bus lane 'experiment' in returning to Boughton, Chester, weeks after the scheme was paused following a backlash from residents.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed the trial bus lanes on the A51 Boughton and the A5116 Liverpool Road will be going ahead after all on October 5.

There was confusion and delay when the bus lanes were originally put up without signage to say the scheme had yet to 'go live', resulting in huge traffic congestion in the city centre.

The council later apologised and said the scheme was due to begin on September 8, for a trial period of six months.

However, amid continued objections from residents, Huntington Parish Council and motorists, CWaC then announced the scheme would be 'paused' and would 'reflect' on it.

Now CWaC has announced the 'experimental' bus lane scheme will be going ahead after all.

It comes as part of the Government’s ‘Gear Change’ vision, calling for a ramping up of active travel.

Councils have been told to re-allocate road space for significantly increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians, with some streets becoming bus and bike only. CWaC was handed £161,000 from the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund to implement new measures.

Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: “The new active travel lanes are in place to address massive challenges including improving air quality, combatting climate change and improving health and wellbeing.

“There is no easy answer, the issues we are facing require a step change in cycling, walking and public transport. This is very much an experimental process, and we will continue to listen and learn. We will be monitoring both roads carefully. The scheme can be changed and adapted at every stage.”

As well as the new bus lanes, CWaC is reintroducing the Upton Park and Ride service from Monday, September 28, while the Park and Ride scheme will be half price for all fares in Chester.

The Upton Park and Ride will operate as a shuttle service to/from the Chester Bus Interchange via the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Between September 28 and January 4, 2021, free travel will be provided for NHS employees travelling to the Countess of Chester Hospital from the Upton Park and Ride site (by showing their ID badge).

During this same period the price for all of Chester’s Park and Ride services are also being halved.

Cllr Shore added: "We are supporting commuters, businesses and visitors by halving the cost of parking for Park and Ride users for three months, including the festive period which is a particularly important time for the city.

“We have previously facilitated free parking for NHS staff during the Covid-19 outbreak and our appreciation continues. I am therefore pleased to provide free use of the Park and Ride services operating from the Upton site for NHS staff until the New Year.

“By increasing the use of Park and Ride we can help to reduce the congestion on the roads leading into Chester city centre. This has three effects; journey times will be quicker; savings can be made on parking and more importantly we will be reducing car usage to improve air quality and reduce emissions helping to meet our climate targets.”

New Covid-19 safety measures are in place to protect both customers and bus drivers, including screens to separate passengers from the drivers, compulsory wearing of a face covering and contactless payment. Park and Ride buses operate a frequent service (every 15 minutes from Chester Zoo and every 12 minutes for Boughton and Wrexham Road):

  • Monday to Friday: between 7am and 7pm
  • Saturdays: between 8am and 7pm
  • Sundays and Bank Holidays: between 9.30am and 6pm

The council is also establishing a Sustainable Transport Taskforce to consider what the opportunities and barriers may be to deliver ambitious inclusive walking, cycling and public transport projects and what can be done to secure positive outcomes.

These dates are subject to any future announcements from the Government in relation to Covid-19 and may therefore be changed at short notice.

To have your say on the new routes, email transportstrategy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.