The temporary pop-up cycle lanes across the borough have generated a lot of comment on social media and elsewhere since being introduced in mid-2020 to support social distancing and to encourage more walking and cycling. Previous temporary lane were removed on the A56 through Sale to Altrincham with the remaining lanes with cones being in Stretford on Chester Road, Bridgewater Way and Edge Lane. Many residents have expressed frustration that the cones remain in the Stretford area and one local resident decided to create a petition on the issue.
Cllr. Dave Morgan, Shadow Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services said “Trafford Conservative Group would like to congratulate Tracey Haworth for creating a petition and attracting over 2,500 signatures regarding this important issue. It is really encouraging that a local resident has tried to solve a big problem in the community I would also congratulate Tracey for getting the petition featured as a story on the Manchester Evening News and on other news outlets too.
“It is quite disappointing however that at the Council meeting where the petition was debated and a question was asked from the Conservative Group on the potential outcome of the current consultation on the cones, that the Council refused to commit to removing the cones.
“Trafford Conservatives are very aware of the problems caused to both residents plus visitors to the borough through the introduction of the cones. Especially for local residents in Stretford, along with employees at major employment sites such as the Longford Trading Estate and the RAC are boxed in on 3 sides and are getting extremely frustrated at being stuck in queuing traffic trying to access the A56 where a lane is closed off. In addition, the football season is in full swing and students are back in school, yet the cones remain in place, causing chaos.
“Conservatives have been calling for the cones to be removed and a better thought through solution co-produced with local residents created. Local Conservatives have also previously stated that the Labour council administration should have listened to the needs of cyclists and motorists before the scheme was introduced to ensure it complemented and improved the safety of all transport users.”
