Liverpool to consider turning key city roads into 'red routes’

A consultation is about to get underway in Liverpool over the introduction of new measures to speed up the flow of traffic in the city.

The plans could see three key roads in Liverpool become ‘red routes’ – a system, first introduced in 1991 in London, that means vehicles are not permitted to stop.

The restriction would apply to loading and unloading, although Blue Badge holders and licensed taxis would still be able to pick up and drop off.

Red routes generally operate between 7am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday. Round-the-clock restrictions usually apply at bus stops and near traffic lights.

A report due to go before Liverpool City Council on Friday (December 15) will seek permission to start a feasibility study for Kensington/Prescot Road, Smithdown Road and the A59 County Road/Walton Road to all become red routes.

The roads were chosen because, according to the city council, they are often congested due to inconsiderate and illegal parking.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Ann O’Byrne said of the proposals: “Every driver gets frustrated by other road users who show no consideration for others by stopping on major routes or parking half on the pavement, causing inconvenience for pedestrians as well.

“It leads to inconvenience, congestion, delays and increases pollution because cars are stationary when they should be moving.”

She continued: “At a time when we are investing £250m upgrading major routes across the city, it is vital we complement this work by ensuring we have a free flowing traffic network able to operate at maximum capacity.

“As we continue to rebuild our city for the 21st century, attracting more investment, jobs and people, we have to make sure road users can get across the city as quickly and easily as possible. Delays to journeys cost businesses and commuters both time and money.”

If introduced, the red route status would replace all yellow line and clearway restrictions and be enforced with existing traffic cameras.

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