Don’t ignore cycle lane issue
GRANT Shapps, Transport Minister, now admits that cycle lanes have caused chaos for motorists and emergency services, blaming many councils for creating gridlock by badly designed schemes (Mail, November 25).
He has also promised tough conditions that would force councils to consult residents and local businesses before making changes.
A shame he didn’t say this before the city council began implementing the rushed bus/cycle lane scheme in July helping a dying city centre on its way (in recent articles in the Mail a number of businesses have complained that the scheme has had a detrimental affect on them).
Dying I say, thinking of Bladons, C&A, Littlewoods, British Home Stores, Cooperative, Hammonds, Marks and Spencer, and more, all not to be seen again.
Look at the boarded shops, etc, in the centre. In addition, cancelled plans for development around the centre over the past few years, Princess Quay Extension, Albion Street, to name but two.
The only successes seem to have been St Stephen’s, which has taken trade from both Princes Quay and Prospect Centre, and the regeneration South of Castle Street.
Look how difficult it’s been to get there without being killed by Castle Street traffic.
Even a bridge over the road has taken goodness knows how long to appear and it’s still not likely to be operational until next year.
All we read from Daren Hale and the city council is that more cycle lane schemes are planned. Will they please tell readers of the Mail just who they are consulting before going ahead creating more chaos for motorists and emergency services.
As a cyclist in my youth, from the Priory Road area, I was glad when I could afford a car, which I used to get to and from work in the Guildhall, so much more comfortable than cycling, particularly in winter.
This distance is about three miles to the centre of Hull.
Many workers who drive in to the centre live beyond that distance and the city boundary to the centre is a least four miles whether coming from east, north or west.
The council seems oblivious to the fact that it’s much more comfortable in a car than on a bike or queueing for a bus (which may or may not turn up).
Are they hoping that by ignoring complaints they’ll eventually go away?