Bus firm calls for end to city centre road ban

HYNDBURN bus operator Transdev is calling on Manchester City Council to drop a ban on traffic on one of its main central streets.

The authority introduced the blockade on a section of Deansgate, between Blackfriars Street and King Street West, last month, claiming that the move would ‘aid the city’s economic recovery by making it easier for people to socially distance’.

City council bosses have said they could make the vehicle ban permanent, but Transdev chief executive Alex Hornby said it was already causing diversions and delays for services including the Red Express from Accrington.

He warned it could scupper a planned £3.5m new fleet of buses.

Mr Hornby said: “This change has made life much more difficult for those who need direct access to the heart of the city most of all - those who cannot walk the long distance to and from alternative stops on a long diversion route.

“It’s bad news for vulnerable people who depend on our buses as their only means of transport.

“We’re calling on Manchester City Council to engage in meaningful consultation with bus operators so we can ensure our customers’ voices are heard, and a reasonable and viable solution is achieved.”

The city council said they are in contact with Transdev and are keen to maintain a “constructive dialogue” to find solutions which work for all parties.

Coun Angeliki Stogia, executive member for transport, said: “Prior to temporary work being carried out on Deansgate, all bus operators were informed of our plans by Transport for Greater Manchester and at that stage, we received no indication that Transdev had concerns about the scheme or alternative bus routes identified.

“We are currently holding an open conversation - in which Transdev, all other bus operators and passengers are welcome to take part - about how this temporary arrangement works in practice.”

ALL traffic was held on the M65 westbound carriageway due to a ‘medical incident’.

This was around junction 8 at Accrington with congestion backing up to junction 10 at Burnley.

The incident was first reported at 11.50am on Sunday, June 14.

One motorist posted on social media: “The M65 to Blackburn from Burnley is basically a car park...avoid if you can.”

Travel website Inrix confirmed that all lanes reopened at 12.45pm and traffic released.