A new one way system for pedestrians in the town centre is one of a number of new measures being introduced as Warrington prepares to open for business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Measures aimed at the Town Centre and district centre spaces will be rolled out to coincide with the re-opening of non-essential retail and eateries, which is currently planned for 15 June, when higher footfall in these areas is expected to return. Temporary Traffic Management measures will start to appear in Warrington’s Town Centre from, tomorrow Monday (June 8).
Measures will include:
·Widening key footways, with temporary barriers at pinch-point areas to accommodate the increased numbers in pedestrians – and to ensure they can safely socially distance from others.
·A large increase in dedicated cycle lanes, using new barriers and signage, to help the marked increase of cyclists travel safely in Warrington.
·Traffic signals will be changed to prioritise ‘green time’ for residents and ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety.
·Changes to the Town Centre roads, including new one-way roads, to make it more pedestrian and cycle focused.
Key Messages will be “Warrington is Open for Business, “Stay left, stay safe,” “Please help keep this area safe by following the designated One Way,” “Maintain the gap” and to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces to help reduce the spread.
Funding will be drawn down from the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Grant, with an initial phase of “quick-win” schemes to be rolled out by the end of July.
Coronavirus has dramatically altered the transport and exercise habits of people in Warrington. The council has seen the number of people cycling across Warrington surge by more than 100% and traffic levels on roads in some areas have been as low as 40% of normal volumes.
Despite recent increases, they are still over one third lower than this time last year. It is expected that while communities are still affected by the pandemic, Warrington residents will drive far less and there will be a continued increase in walking, cycling and running.
Central Government has advised Local Authorities that they are expected to implement measures that support and sustain the shift to more active forms of travel. The council say it also vital that everyone supports all of Warrington’s businesses as they continue to reopen, in accordance with the planned relaxations of the lockdown to allow the necessary social distancing to take place.
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