Swing bridge warning signs

NEW signs warning motorists when Warrington’s notorious swing bridges are “off” are now up and running.
Borough council traffic management chiefs have been working with Peel Ports to implement a system on the three busy roads affected – the A5060 Chester Road, A49 London Road and A50 Knutsford Road – to warn drivers of bridge closures.
The aim is to minimise the impact on the road network and reduce pollution.
A number of matrix warning signs have been installed on the routes to the swing bridges, along with signs promoting the improvement of air quality by encouraging drivers to switch off their engines when stationary.
The signs alert motorists that a swing bridge is “off” by showing a swing bridge symbol.
Once the sign is lit the bridge takes about 12-16 minutes to re-open depending on the type of vessel travelling along the canal.
Drivers are also being encouraged to turn off their engines while stationary as vehicle exhaust fumes are the main cause of air pollution.
The fumes produce a build up of various substances such as Nitrogen Dioxide, which is harmful to health and the environment.
According to the AA, modern cars use virtually no fuel when they are re-started without using the accelerator, and they recommend switching off your engine if you are stationary for more than three minutes.
Cars also use fuel when they are idling – a new petrol car will use about 1.8 litres per hour when it is still, and even more if the air conditioning is on. At today’s fuel costs, that’s over £3.
Last year, the council installed an air quality analyser on Chester Road to monitor air quality in the area, which will hopefully improve as a result of new signs.
Cllr Linda Dirir (pictured), the council’s executive member for highways, transportation and climate change, said: “These new signs will really help motorists crossing the Ship Canal to better manage the impact of their vehicle emissions. If everyone waiting for the bridges turned off their engines it would help reduce air pollution and benefit all Warrington residents with cleaner air, as well as reducing carbon emissions and fuel costs.”