Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
As the new school year approaches in Liverpool, the City Council is urging parents and carers to carefully plan their travel routes to ensure children’s safety on the city’s roads. While families focus on preparing for the term ahead—buying school supplies, uniforms, and shoes—road safety can sometimes be overlooked amidst the busy activity.
This year’s back-to-school period coincides with several ongoing highway improvements throughout Liverpool. The Council advises residents to review their usual routes before travelling and to factor in additional time for their journeys due to potential delays. Notably, work on Speke Hall Road is now finished, and Queens Drive’s construction is expected to be completed shortly.
Several projects are underway, including phased upgrades on Walton Breck Road, which began in May and are projected to continue until March next year. The current phase involves enhancements such as improved pedestrian crossings, better bus stop facilities, and resurfacing of roads and sidewalks. To facilitate this work, certain closures have been implemented: a one-way closure on Walton Breck Road allowing travel from Kemp Avenue to Robson Street, as well as closures on Back Rockfield Road and Gilman Street starting mid-September. Bus routes 27, 68 (including 68A and 68B), and 17 (including 17A and 17X) are also affected by these changes.
Meanwhile, upgrades on Wavertree High Street aiming to boost pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow are ongoing and expected to last through the end of the year. A new pedestrian crossing is being installed at the Picton Road and Wellington Road intersection, necessitating temporary traffic signals and diversions until mid-October. Wellington Road will be closed near Picton Road, with diversions in place, and a three-way traffic signal system will operate at Rathbone Road and Picton High Street. Bus services such as 619 (PM), 204, and 60 will experience modifications during this period.
The Council stresses the importance of exercising caution near all roadworks. Travelers should allow extra time and be mindful of increased traffic, which can impact those walking, cycling, or using other non-motorized transport modes to school. Barriers and traffic management systems are deployed to separate pedestrians and vehicles from construction zones, and entering these restricted areas is both dangerous and prohibited. Parents are also reminded to prevent children from playing near these sites.
Parking around schools is highlighted as a significant safety concern, with improper parking obscuring visibility and increasing risks for children and drivers alike. In response, Liverpool City Council encourages families to consider alternative transportation options such as walking, cycling, or scooting. These alternatives promote physical activity, reduce congestion near schools, and improve air quality. Additionally, all drivers must comply with School Crossing Patrol signals and drive cautiously near schools, as children may unexpectedly step into the road. Lower speeds and vigilance help ensure that crossing patrols can be seen and children remain safe.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, stated: “The start of a new academic year is always an exciting time for families across Liverpool, and it’s always wonderful to see our young people gearing up for school. At the same time, we’re continuing to invest in Liverpool’s transport network through a number of major highways improvement projects that will make it easier and safer for people to travel around the city in the long term. As some journeys may be slightly different as this work progresses, we would encourage everyone to plan ahead, check their routes and allow a little extra time where needed. Whether you’re driving, walking, wheeling, cycling or using public transport, we all have a part to play in looking out for one another. As children return to classrooms, ensuring they can travel to and from school safely must remain our shared priority.”
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.