Huge changes affecting Coventry drivers are set to be rubber-stamped this week. A councillor will decide on plans for a new red route and bus gate this Friday, 8 November.
If approved, it means motorists will not be able to stop on some busy roads in the city centre. And only buses and taxis would be able to use a route to and from the centre via Greyfriars and Warwick roads.
Work would start of introducing the changes in early January, according to papers for the meeting. The council claims its plans will help cut congestion and improve the flow of traffic in the centre.
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The authority also says most people it surveyed last year supported a red route. But its report shows business owners raised critical comments and concerns after the plans were formally published in August.
(Image: Coventry City Council)
One of these people is the owner of the McDonalds at Cross Cheaping by the Burges, who objected to the planned red route and removal of bus stops on the road. The proprietor claims business at the fast-foot outlet fell by a fifth after “car restrictions” were brought in and hit their delivery trade.
The council installed a new bus gate affecting when cars can use the roads at Trinity Street and the Burges last year. The restaurant owner said they now heavily rely on bus passengers
They added: “With red routes making it impossible to access for deliveries and then no bus transport, I fear the street will become a ghost town and could impact the 100 employees I currently employ at this store. I am sure it will have the same devastating effect on the surrounding businesses in the street.”
In response, the council clarified that there are no plans to restrict buses on the road and said the same number of buses will pass by the shops. They claimed relocated bus stops will still be “accommodated within” the Burges and Cross Cheaping.
They clamed in replies to other concerned business owners that access to the road will stay the same and the road will get a larger loading bay. Some people were also opposed to the new bus gate at Greyfriars Road, however.
This restriction will only allow buses, taxis and pedal cycles to use the road past its junction with Warwick Road. The council report explained that it is part of wider plans to move traffic from the city’s inner roads and onto the outer ring-road.
(Image: Coventry City Council)
But one objector claimed traffic on the road is “very low” compared to other roads in the centre. They claimed drivers blocked from using the road will simply drive around the ring-road to use another access, resulting in “more traffic elsewhere.”
Another person claimed the new restriction will get in the way of people accessing their homes. But the council claimed the scheme will make buses more reliable and reduce gridlock at Warwick Road.
They claim modelling shows there will not be any big problems from changes to traffic, due to improvements at ring-road junction seven. The council also explained that the central island on Greyfriars Road will be axed as part of the planend ‘City Demonstrator’ for Very Light Rail.
It means drivers will be able to turn right to access their homes at Sheriff Orchards and Queen Victoria Road. If approved the changes will cost the council around £600,000 and be paid for with grant funding.
Officers are recommending the move is given the green light at this Friday’s meeting, but add that they will need to make sure they work closely with and support businesses. Cabinet Member for City Services Clr Patricia Hetherton ( Radford, Lab) will have the final say on Friday.
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