Man Utd fans to be hit by new Old Trafford restrictions as council look looks to tackle ‘nuisance’ parking

Manchester United's campaign gets underway on Friday August 16 when Fulham visit Old Trafford. Ahead of the season starting, the council have announced work on red routes around the area. 

The red route will be in place along the A56 corridor and associated side roads from Junction 7 of the M60 to the Manchester City Council boundary. Work is expected to start on site to install red lines and traffic signs before the end of August 2024.

Trafford Council have suggested that work will be completed in the autumn. This means that the red route could be in full operation for home games in October or the visit of Chelsea at the start of November. 

During the work, some lane closures will be required to protect workers and keep the public safe. More information will be shared about the works on the council’s social media channels.

Cllr Stephen Adshead, Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, said: “The red routes on the A56 and A5081 are designed to discourage obstructive and dangerous parking along these busy main routes into and out of Manchester. They will make things safer for cyclists and pedestrians and allow buses to run more smoothly. The changes should help reduce matchday congestion and make things safer and more pleasant for all road users and residents of the area.”

Anthony Murden, Deputy Head of Projects Group at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “We welcome the introduction of red routes on these busy roads and the benefits they will bring to bus passengers, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as reducing congestion for all road users.”

What is a red route? 

A ‘red route’ means there will be no stopping at any time, except for holders of blue badges, and buses, taxis and some loading in designated places. The new restrictions are designed to be more stringent than the current arrangements, to deter inappropriate stopping on the road, verges and footways. 

According to the council this is an ongoing issue, especially on match days, causing inconvenience and compromising safety for residents of the area.