Plans to build a segregated cycle lane on a busy main road in Salford have been put on hold following strong local opposition and dwindling political support.
The proposed Peel Green active travel scheme aimed to create protected cycle lanes on both sides of Liverpool Road, a major route used by lorries accessing the M60 at junction 11.
Under the plans, the current three-lane layout would have been turned into a single lane in each direction for two-way traffic. The rest of the space would have been used for two cycle lanes, and additional planting and greenery along the central reservation and around footways.
However, the scheme has been met with growing resistance from residents and road users. More than 3,000 residents have signed a petition opposing the plans, with many warning that narrowing the road would cause congestion and backlogs, especially in the event of motorway incidents.
Some locals have told the Local Democracy Reporting scheme that “everyone is upset about it” because “narrowing the road would increase congestion”, and it would be a “disaster” for the area.
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Despite early resistance, supporters of active travel say the council should push ahead with schemes like this.
Harry Gray, from Walk Ride GM, said, “It happens with every single scheme like this, when it goes to consultation, people do not want change, and they say they don’t want it. But councils need to understand that delivering these schemes is popular in the long run once we get over the hill of hysteria.
“When Greater Manchester’s population goes up by a million, what will people do? It will only get worse, and that’s why politicians have to make difficult decisions.
“I would urge the council to approve this scheme, it’s been proven that if you stand by a scheme like this, it will be popular in the future.”
A council report acknowledged that projects of this nature would normally be approved because they align with Greater Manchester’s wider transport strategy to encourage safer routes for walking and cycling.
Despite this, it concluded that the scale of opposition meant the Peel Green scheme currently lacks sufficient community backing.
“The results of the formal traffic modelling and the nature of the objections and feedback received through the engagement and legal consultation processes would typically result in a recommendation to approve a scheme of this type, particularly given the strategic fit with the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy to promote safe routes for active modes.
“However, given the volume of negative responses, coupled with a lack of supporting responses for the scheme from the local community, the outcome of the engagement indicates that there is no local support for the Peel Greet Active Travel scheme at this time.”
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The report added that the project could be reconsidered in the future if alternative routes to the motorway network are identified and the number of heavy goods vehicles using Liverpool Road is reduced.
Councillor Lewis Nelson, from the Cadishead and Lower Irlam ward, said previous trials raised concerns about traffic delays. “During the trial, residents were queuing for an hour to get out of Irlam and Cadishead because of the restriction.”
A 2022 trial to assess the impact of removing the middle lane between Barley Farm and the Peel Green roundabout found that journey times increased by around 30 seconds. Despite this, some residents have questioned the reliability of the data used to support the proposals.
Laura Gribbon, a mum based in Higher Irlam, told Salford Now that she questioned the data collected from the original trial.
She said, “I am worried that the data they have is not being used ethically or portrayed objectively. We heard lots of concerned feedback in the meeting, where people said the part of the road was not a representative section and would not show how the proposal would actively impact traffic across the area, yet it was used to support their case.
“Big statements have been made, [the spokesperson] said the simulation showed benefits and disadvantages, but I didn’t see that from the PowerPoint. If this were to go ahead, I would definitely consider where my family would stay because nobody wants to sit in traffic every day.”
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The scheme has also faced criticism over whether cyclists would use the route even if the infrastructure were built.
Richard Clarke, who lives on Liverpool Road, said he struggled to see the benefits. “It’s pointless, it’s all the disruption, and if the road is narrower, it would be even worse than it is now for traffic.”
The final decision on whether to approve the legal notice for the Peel Green active travel scheme will be taken by Councillor Mike McCusker, Salford’s lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development.