‘Changes part of ‘experiment’ – traffic bosses

HIGHWAYS bosses say the new scheme will be monitored for the next six months before being reviewed.

Dwayne Lowe, the LCC highways manager for Hyndburn, said: “We’ve worked with Hyndburn council and the local Chamber of Trade to agree a number of changes to the way traffic is managed in central Accrington, which include switching the direction of some one-way streets, and making changes to parking restrictions and taxi stands.

“This is intended to make it easier for Hyndburn council to hold events and make improvements to the heritage area near the town hall and market hall and improve access to the bus station in its new location.”

He added that signs had been put up alerting people to the new road layout.

Mr Lowe said: “The changes were introduced on Sunday, June 5, using an experimental traffic order, which allows us to monitor the way they’re working and make adjustments if necessary over the next six months before deciding whether to confirm the order in 18 months’ time.

“However, a number of drivers continued to follow their normal routine, and we reinforced the warnings on Monday with extra signage and barriers.

“The new traffic management system means that drivers emerging from Broadway should now go straight ahead onto St James Street.

“Even if people miss or ignore the one-way signs, the temporary roadworks in place on Blackburn Road should in any case discourage people from turning right.

“But some people have been driving around the barriers instead of following the one-way system as they should.

“We would encourage people who haven’t driven in this area since the priori- ties have changed to take extra care and follow the signs in place.

“We’re continuing to monitor the situation in case we need to take further action to reinforce the new traffic regulations.”

Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson said: “The major issue is people have been used over many years to going a certain way but the important thing is to pay attention to the road signs to make sure that there are no accidents.”