Experimental measures to further improve safety for people using Leicester’s Lancaster Road cycle route are due to be implemented later this month.
From Sunday 19 May, Leicester City Council will prohibit general traffic from using the junction of De Montfort Street and Lancaster Road. This will involve closing a short stretch of De Montfort Street to through traffic.
The measures are being introduced, on a trial basis, in an effort to make the junction safer for all road users and address concerns from local cycling groups about the potential risks of motor vehicles crossing the existing cycle lanes at this junction.
Temporary measures – including new road signs and removable barriers – will be put in place on a short stretch on De Montfort Street, close to its junction with Lancaster Road, to prohibit all through traffic except cycles.
Vehicles will still be able to enter De Montfort Street from Regent Road, and space will be created for vehicles to turn by removing up to four pay and display parking bays on both sides of the road.
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The changes will be brought in initially for six months under an experimental traffic order, which can be altered or stopped if necessary, and will be monitored. If successful, the changes could be made permanent.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport for Leicester City Council, said: “Lancaster Road is an important and busy route for walkers, wheelers and cyclists.
“Its located right in the heart of the University of Leicester campus and is a well-used route linking Queens Road and Clarendon Park with the city centre.
“Along with the new cycle lanes on London Road, the Lancaster Road cycle way also plays an important role in helping to discourage people from cycling on New Walk.
“It’s vital that we listen to feedback from the people who are using the route and take steps to further improve safety where issues have been raised.
“This experimental order will allow us to test the new measures and listen to feedback before any permanent changes are made.”
Achievements and innovations in traffic management and road safety will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
