‘Chaos’ is averted in rethink of roads plan
PROPOSED ONE-WAY SYSTEM AXED
PLANS to introduce a one-way system in a busy Leicester street have been scrapped after several weeks of campaigning from residents.
Harrison Road, Belgrave, would have been split by a one-way system as part of a Traffic Regulation Order proposed by the city council earlier this year.
But some residents were strongly opposed to the plans and used the consultation period, between September and October, to make their views heard.
Several also objected to proposals for permit parking and these have also been shelved.
Belgrave resident Poonam Vaghela said: “I’m glad that the residents’ hard work wasn’t in vain as these changes would have been chaos.”
A protest was held in Harrison Road on October 31 where highways officers were invited to hear residents’ concerns.
The council said the plans had been based on residents’ complaints and views over a number of years and pledged that all residents’ views would be considered, “not those who shout the loudest”.
But the council has now decided to drop the following proposals:
Harrison Road. One-way street proposal between Marfitt Sreett/Gipsy Lane and Canon Street.
Residents’ permit scheme and shared use bays in Harrison Road, Lancashire Street and St Michaels Avenue.
Both single yellow line for Harrison Road and the footway parking ban for Edensor Street, Harrison Road, Lancashire Street, St Michaels Avenue and Stafford Street.
Residents’ permit parking scheme, along with the shared use bays for Arbour Road, Flax Road and Moores Road.
Proposals for one-way street restrictions for Agar Street, Broadhurst Street, Glen Street, and Portman Street.
Proposals that are still being considered include a parking scheme in Stafford Street, double yellow lines on street corners to improve road and pedestrian safety and controlled pavement parking.
In a letter to residents, the city council’s Traffic Operations team said: “The council is keen to deliver a scheme that has support from the local community.
“It is clear through this Traffic Order process that some of the proposed changes did not have a high level of support.”
A city council spokesman said: “We have written to residents to confirm that proposals to make Harrison Road one-way will not now go ahead.
“We are, however, still considering proposals that will bring health and environmental benefits and are necessary for public safety – and that do have the residents’ support.”