Opinions divided on success of controversial traffic measures
ATOWN centre councillor has invited the a government minister to see the impact of controversial new cycle lanes.
Bike lanes were introduced across Southport, Merseyside earlier this year through the government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund as part of efforts to encourage people to visit local businesses without relying on public transport.
Changes carried out by Sefton Council included removing parking spaces on streets including Hoghton Street and Talbot Street to make way for bike lanes; removing access for cars through Queens Road; and allowing bicycles to be used on the pedestrianised Chapel Street.
However, they have been met with a backlash from residents, business owners and church officials who say the removal of parking spaces has had a detrimental effect with little to no increase in cycling.
The changes are due to be reviewed before a decision is made on whether to make them permanent but Cllr John Pugh, who represents Dukes Ward, wants the government and council to define what would represent success or failure.
The former MP has now invited Chris Heaton-Harris, the government minister in charge of cycling and the Emergency Active Travel Fund, to come and look at the pop up cycle lanes across Merseyside to assess whether the money allocated has been spent wisely.
In his letter, Cllr Pugh says it would be helpful to have “some clear measurables which the department has in mind or a template for reviews” but says there is no substitute for visiting in person.
Cllr Pugh told the Visiter: “The government set a rather mad schedule of four weeks to get these schemes up and running using Emergency Traffic Orders and £250 million pounds of taxpayers cash.
“Now’s the time to see whether that cash is being well-spent and meet proponents and opponents of the various schemes.
“In many cases it’s not clear what the signs of success are supposed to look like and that makes any future review of the schemes problematic.
“Given the unanticipated consequences of some of the major road changes, it’s time for minister to get out of Whitehall and see what they have done.
“Money is scarce on Merseyside and money people are forced to spend quickly is not necessary spent well. We all have to deal with the practical effects not the theoretical expectations.
“Chris and I in previous incarnations both served on the Public Accounts Committee running a value for money slide rule over the spending of taxpayers money so I would expect him to want clear results from cash spent.
“I will be encouraging the National Audit Office to take this up as a one of their value for money investigations.”