A new trial in Flixton introducing traffic calming measures has divided the community, causing outrage among some residents.
Trafford Council introduced a four month trial of traffic calming measures at the start of this month aiming to make the roads safer to benefit all road users., while also having a positive impact on the environment.
This is part of the borough’s Active Travel Scheme, after the Department for Transport made funding available to local authorities in a bid to improve “safe movement and wellbeing”.
Residents have been encouraged to leave feedback on the trial – which began after a consultation period with locals – via email and the council has set up a survey to gauge residents’ reaction to the scheme.
Yet many have taken to social media to express their opinions.
The social media rows have been so intense some members of the community who wished to express their opinions for the purposes of this article all wished to remain anonymous.
Several residents have welcomed the scheme, praising the council’s attention to safety and environmental issues caused by local traffic.
One local resident, who lives on one of the roads which have been shut, said: “I can’t express how much nicer it is now living in this neighbourhood; we all feel so much safer.”
The same resident said there was a crash recently just around the corner caused by a speeding car. These measures have been implemented to prevent such incidents, with local residents cautioning about a genuine risk to lives.
However, some members of the community have witnessed cars mounting curbs in attempts to drive through the closed off roads, raising safety questions right as the trial began.
While other residents have taken to social media to express their outrage at the measures, with many emphasising the inconvenience to their commute.
Expressing their frustration with the measures, another resident said: “If we had seen the traffic the way it is now, we would definitely not have moved here.
“It is making Flixton a far less enjoyable place to live.”
In particular residents expressed frustration they did not feel listened to by the council during the initial consultation period.
Residents claimed opposition to the scheme at this stage was ignored, despite a consultation in a nearby area which faced the same opposition being cancelled by the council.
In a statement, a Trafford Council spokesperson said: “We are aware that the changes implemented as part of the Flixton Community Streets Trial have had a mixed response. There has been improved pedestrian safety at crossings, especially for children to and from schools, quieter residential streets throughout the estate but also congestion due to the new temporary signals at Irlam and Flixton junction, which has caused some inconvenience. The purpose of the trial as a monitoring phase is to assess the impact and to make minor changes throughout the four-month period. To date, we are working to improve and replace signage, ensured that road closure planters are better positioned to prevent cars mounting the pavement, and constantly assessing and adjusting the timing of traffic lights to improve the flow at the junction of Irlam Road and Flixton Road.
“Residents will have the opportunity to feedback formally on the trial when the online survey opens on 27th September. This is 4 weeks after the start of the four-month trial.”
All images provided by contributor who wishes to remain anonymous
