Trafford Council removes cycle lane from key Timperley junction after outcry from drivers

Trafford Council has confirmed it has removed a new cycle lane from a key section of the A56 approaching the Park Road junction in West Timperley.

We reported yesterday how the new lane – which was only introduced to the busy junction over the weekend – had led to severe delays for drivers on the approach to Altrincham.

The local authority has used emergency cash from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund to section off a seven-mile stretch of the main direct link between Manchester city centre and Altrincham, describing the move as a “bold step”.

The lane was intended as a temporary measure initially, and designed to support the growth in cycling journeys that have grown through lockdown.

But this morning, Trafford has decided to remove the cones marking out the cycle lane on the approach to the Park Road junction, and pull the cycle lane back to the junction with Sibson Road, in Sale town centre.

The move was confirmed by pictures tweeted by WalkRideAlty, which is campaigning for improved cycling and walking routes in Altrincham.

Trafford Conservatives had called on the Labour-run council administration to “urgently reconsider” the reduction in lanes.

Cllr Nathan Evans said: “We certainly need safe cycle routes but at a time when we need maximum opportunity for access to work and limited use of public transport, simply halving the main route into Manchester, without proper consideration or any consultation with local residents, is the wrong decision.”

Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “The Government was clear that councils should look to re-designate road space for walking and cycling, and in particular on trunk roads and arterial routes.

“The Council followed this advice and the scheme progressed with only minimal disruption to traffic in the initial stages. However as the lane reduction was extended through Sale southbound over the weekend the level of delay to traffic quickly became unmanageable.

“This morning the scheme has been pulled back to Sale Town Centre in order to reduce congestion with a further review to take place in the next 24 hours.”