How shake-up at ‘danger junction’ will affect drivers

A NEW road traffic scheme is being introduced at a “dangerous junction” in the city.

Steps to improve safety on the Lancaster Road cycle route are set to begin this month on a six-month trial basis and, if successful, the changes could be permanent.

General traffic will be banned from using the junction of De Montfort Street and Lancaster Road, which will mean closing part of De Montfort Street to through traffic. The trial will begin on Sunday, May 19.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College sent letters to parents and carers last week advising them of the changes.

In the letter, they said the experimental traffic regulation order (TRO) is being put in place in an area “considered a dangerous junction, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians”.

The TRO went live today on the city council’s website.

The council said the measures are being introduced to make the junction safer for all road users and to address concerns from cycling groups about the potential risks of cars crossing the cycle lanes at the junction.

The changes will be monitored closely and can be modified if needed, the council added.

Temporary measures include placing new road signs and removable barriers on part of De Montfort Street, close to the Lancaster Road junction, to stop all through traffic apart from

bikes.

Vehicles will still be able to drive down De Montfort Street from Regent Road, and space will be created for them to turn by removing up to four pay and display parking bays on both sides of the road.

The council said space will continue to be provided for the food truck to trade.

Assistant city mayor Councillor Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “Lancaster Road is an important and busy route for walkers, wheelers and cyclists. It’s located right in the heart of the University of Leicester campus and is a wellused route linking Queens Road and Clarendon Park with the city centre.

“Along with the new cycle lanes on London Road, the Lancaster Road cycle way also plays an important role in helping to discourage people from cycling on New Walk.

“It’s vital that we listen to feedback from the people who are using the route and take steps to further improve safety where issues have been raised.

“This experimental order will allow us to test the new measures and listen to feedback before any permanent changes are made.”

It’s vital that we listen to feedback from the people who are using the route

Councillor Geoff Whittle