Traffic calming plans unveiled for Preston and South Ribble

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 10:01

By Paul Faulkner - LDRS

Dozens of road changes are being planned between South Ribble and Preston which highway bosses hope will encourage more people to cycle, walk and use public transport.

The traffic calming measures are part of broader plans to upgrade a series of key junctions on the A582, between Lostock Hall and Penwortham, in order to reduce congestion on the busy route.

However, other local roads connecting the two destinations are also in line for a radical revamp – and the public are being asked for their opinions on those proposals as well.

The so-called “sustainable travel corridor” is centred on the B5254 – Leyland Road and Watkin Lane – but also takes in roads including Cop Lane, Coote Lane and Croston Road.

The routes are commonly used as rat runs to avoid the bumper-to-bumper tailbacks that often blight the A582 during the morning and evening rush hours.

The aim of the overarching plans is to create a more free-flowing A582 and, according to Lancashire County Council, to “discourage through-traffic by using traffic calming and more pedestrian crossings” which the authority says will “improve road safety and create better local environments with fewer speeding vehicles” and better air quality.

County Hall is also seeking to improve the reliability of bus journeys along the corridor by reducing hold-ups. Passengers will be kept better informed of any delays that do occur via real-time information installed at bus stops.

All of the plans require confirmation of government funding previously earmarked for the wider project – and for which a formal bid will be prepared when the current public consultation is completed.