Have it your way: Consultation over Deansgate future
PEOPLE URGED TO AIR THEIR VIEWS AFTER BUS FIRM ROW
RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say on plans for the part-pedestrianisation of Deansgate following a row with a bus company over measures introduced earlier this year.
Diamond bus company objected to plans brought in by Manchester City Council to close the section of road between King Street West and Blackfriars Street in May.
The temporary traffic order had been made through national coronavirus regulations to allow pedestrians to socially distance during the pandemic.
But earlier this month, new barriers were installed to allow buses to travel through following opposition from Diamond.
The bus company had objected the temporary traffic order, claiming that it was detrimental to passengers.
Diamond also claimed that the council was using the situation as a backdoor to permanent pedestrianisation without proper consultation.
When talks broke down, Diamond began the process of challenging the council’s decision in the High Court via a judicial review.
The day before a hearing was due to go ahead, the council agreed it would compromise by reopening Deansgate one-way to buses.
Councillor Angeliki Stogia, the Executive Member for Transport, said it was ‘extremely frustrating’ that the operator had ‘chosen to down this route.’
Now the council are asking residents for feedback on plans for an experimental traffic order to close the same section of road.
As part of the proposals, Manchester council are also planning to make the section of Deansgate from King Street to Quay Street one-way only. Traffic would travel in a southbound direction, with the northbound carriageway closed. After 12 months, a decision would be made about whether to make the order permanent. Under the proposals, St Mary’s Parsonage would remain closed to traffic at its northern end. A new bus gate would be created on Bridge Street, after its junction with Gartside Street.
It would mean that only buses would be able to drive out of the city centre across the River Irwell into Salford via this route.
The council said provision would be made for access for deliveries, waste collection and emergency services.
Coun Stogia said: “We believe there are significant environmental and safety benefits to the closure of this section of Deansgate.
“We’re making these proposals in support of our vision for a greener and healthier city centre. However, before decisions are made, it’s crucial that we get the views of the people and businesses that any closure would affect.
“If you have views on these proposals for Deansgate, I’d encourage you to share them.”
We’re making these proposals in support of our vision for a greener and healthier city centre
Coun Angeliki Stogia