Anticipated Results: Ancoats ETRO Trial Nears Conclusion

• Installing filters that allow pedestrians and cycles to pass through, but not cars
• Creating cycle routes which link up to others
• Improving crossings

A temporary new traffic order has been put in place in Ancoats aimed at encouraging more walking and cycling.

The six-month Ancoats Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) trial measures were introduced in January.

The traffic order will be reviewed after the trial period to see if it has been a successful, says the council.

Safety of road users was identified as a priority for local people so changes were made to the way that traffic moves, through an ‘experimental road traffic order’. This means it’s a live trial and will let us adapt it as we go along if anything isn’t working. It’s about making streets in Ancoats quieter and safer, and stopping traffic from cutting through the area.

“The Council will be publishing some set of changes shortly based on the feedback and these changes will benefit residents. There’s a better approach on engagements with residents via letters, maps and websites on how to reduce traffic, speeding, accidents and general safety of road users. As a residential area, people walk and cycle more often than drive their cars hence the much needed approach”, said Councillor Chris Northwood.

ANCOAT ETRO

The changes aims to help essential traffic flow through the area safely and make people on foot or non-motorised wheels a priority. Some of the changes are making some roads one way, maintaining cycle access, improving crossings and so on. The road closures have been achieved through the use of planters, combined with removable bollards to ensure emergency access.

This will minimize movement and improve the area as a place for relaxing while also making it more secure for bikes and pedestrians.

The Council will review the Orders’ provisions in due time to determine whether or not they should remain in effect permanently.