The controversial Hopwood Triangle traffic calming trial in Heywood will not be removed as early as expected after Rochdale Council said a formal township vote is needed before the scheme can be ended.
The trial, which introduced changes to roads around the Hopwood Triangle, has prompted widespread criticism from motorists and residents since it was introduced.
The measures include the closure of Middleton Road at its junction with Manchester Road near St John's Church to prevent drivers using the route as a cut through. Magdala Street has also been made one way towards Manchester Road, while new HGV parking restrictions and a 20mph speed limit have been introduced on surrounding residential roads.
North Heywood councillor Bev Place said she had hoped the trial would end on Monday but was told by highways officers that a Heywood Township meeting must first formally vote to end the scheme.
She said, "I'm afraid that I have some bad news to share.
"Highways called a meeting this afternoon and have advised that we need a Township meeting to formally vote to end the Hopwood Triangle traffic calming trial.
"I am endeavouring to call an extraordinary meeting, as the next one is not scheduled to take place until 22nd September."
Councillor Place urged residents to send their views directly to Rochdale Council's highways team, saying she had received hundreds of objections but had been advised they must be submitted by email to be formally considered.
Please do email trafficorders@rochdale.gov.uk with your concerns or support, as every voice counts.
She added that while some residents living close to the scheme wanted it to continue for a full trial period, heavy congestion around Magdala Street on Friday had influenced her decision to seek its removal.
"I know some residents living in the direct vicinity do not want the trial to end. They want it given a fair trial period, which I can understand. But the chaos around Magdala Street on Friday, which to my mind put Hopwood Primary School pupils at increased risk, influenced my decision to call for a halt," she said.
Responding to questions about the future of the scheme, a Rochdale Council spokesperson said, "We don't have a set date for the removal of the restrictions as yet. We are liaising with the contractors with a view to removing them soon."
The council also said it would not normally carry out traffic modelling for residential side street schemes, adding that a live trial was considered the most appropriate way to assess the impact on traffic levels and road safety.
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