RESIDENTS are invited to have their say on creating safer streets in Tameside that support social distancing.
Work is taking place as part of the wider Greater Manchester #SafeStreetsSaveLives campaign in response to a Government directive to create enhanced shared spaces during the coronavirus lockdown and through recovery.
In parallel, a consultation has been launched for residents to give their comments and views on which of the temporary measures they feel could be made permanent and how they may be improved upon as well as any other ideas and suggestions.
The campaign aligns with statutory guidance sent to local authorities on reallocating road space in response to the coronavirus outbreak to encourage cycling and walking while enabling social distancing.
As more people return to work, the initiative will help with safe and sustainable travel and support the local economy.
Tameside Council’s proposals include key worker corridors with areas temporarily zoned off for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as the creation of additional footway space by addressing pinch-points and removing street clutter.
There are also plans for ‘access only’ quiet streets where residents can exercise on safer roads with no through traffic.
Other measures to create more space for social distancing include upgrading existing cycle lanes, creating temporary crossings, and schemes to calm traffic.
Across Greater Manchester, walking and cycling now accounts for approximately 33% of all journeys with cycling up 42% compared to pre-lockdown data, whilst there has been a dramatic fall in traffic volumes, congestion and air pollution.
By encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport, Greater Manchester is looking to build back better as part its recovery plans while supporting the bold ambition to be carbon neutral by 2038 and honour its commitment to becoming a walking and cycling city-region.
Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Brenda Warrington said: “As the Government eases social restrictions, we are required to make changes to ensure our residents are kept safe when out and about in the borough. Due to the fast pace of the situation, measures to give pedestrians and cyclists in Tameside more safe space to travel while social distancing are being quickly implemented. Although these changes are mandated, temporary measures, we are seeking to find permanent solutions to make our borough safer for everyone.
“We therefore want local residents to have their say on these changes so we can look to consider any improvements to the temporary measures and work together to explore long-term opportunities. We want to harness and build on the positive shift we have seen towards more sustainable travel and make walking and cycling in Tameside an easier and safer way to travel and the natural choice for residents.”
For more information, including the programme of work and how to have your say, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/