Bollards installed on Gloucester Avenue to prevent through traffic sparks backlash

Sunday, 30 March 2025 19:05

By David Murphy

Gloucester Avenue, Wardle. Credit: David Murphy

Bollards have been installed on Gloucester Avenue in Wardle as part of a new traffic management scheme approved by the Pennines Township Committee.

The initiative was introduced in response to concerns about motorists using Gloucester Avenue and Birch Avenue as shortcuts to bypass peak-time "rat running" congestion on Birch Road.

The narrow width of Gloucester Avenue had raised safety concerns due to the increased volume of traffic as motorists frequently used both Gloucester Avenue and Birch Avenue as unofficial cut-throughs, raising worries about road safety and increased vehicle flow on the narrow estate roads.

A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) was approved to prohibit motor vehicles from accessing Gloucester Avenue from Birch Road. The scheme includes an extension of the footway and installation of bollards to restrict vehicle access, while still allowing cyclists to pass through. No Waiting at Any Time restrictions have also been introduced to support the safe movement of cyclists.

Some residents have expressed support for the changes, while others have raised concerns about emergency service access and the impact on local traffic patterns.

After considering objections and the potential benefits, the committee decided to implement the TRO as advertised. Ongoing dialogue between residents and local authorities is expected as local residents adjust to the changes.

Similar measures have been implemented on other roads, including the introduction of temporary one-way systems on streets such as James Street and Arm Road in Smallbridge. These schemes aim to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents by limiting conflicting movements in narrow residential areas.