Traffic restrictions to protect schoolchildren to be introduced in Tameside despite objections from neighbours

Traffic restrictions designed to protect schoolchildren – including double yellow lines and speed humps – will be introduced in Tameside despite objections from neighbours.

A proposed £100k traffic calming scheme in Droylsden, initially put forward in 2020 but held up due to the Covid-19 pandemic and changes to the plans, has been approved by the planning committee.

There had been 23 objections to the plans, mostly surrounding the proposed waiting restrictions which people said would displace traffic and cause more parking problems for residents.

What is being proposed under the scheme?

The scheme will see a new ‘flat top humped’ puffin crossing built on Lumb Lane to facilitate the pupils of the Laurus Ryecroft High School leaving and entering the establishment.

Further road humps would also be built along Lumb Lane, as well as a 20mph speed limit which would be introduced on part of the road, the whole of Brookside Avenue, Brooklands Drive, Woodleigh Drive, Cryer Street, Wayne Close, Hyde Street and Andrew Street.

And ‘no waiting at any time’ for vehicles will be introduced on Lumb lane south-west through to its junction with Cryer Street, and north-east to the junction of Brookside Avenue. Double yellows would also be introduced on both sides of Cryer Street for a distance of five metres at the junction with Lumb Lane.

There would also be restrictions on parking between 7.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, introduced on the junctions of Cryer Street and Lumb Lane and the junction of Brooklands Drive and Cryer Street. As a result of the works, two bus stops would also have to be moved to different positions along Lumb Lane.

The cost of the proposals is being funded by a Section 106 financial contribution to infrastructure agreed as part of the planning permission for the new school in 2018.

What was said for and against the development?

Objector Garry Whitty told the planning committee at Tameside Council that people were concerned specifically about the waiting restrictions included within the scheme. “The parking is the issue for residents, and the yellow lines across the front of my property,” he said.

“We are not getting any help from the school regarding the parking. This morning we’ve had school teachers being dropped off outside my house in a taxi. With the bus stop being moved across the road to Brookside you’re going to get cars queuing across the puffin. It doesn’t need doing.” He also complained that school buses were no longer running, with pupils coming from as far afield as Oldham to attend the school.

Highways manager Jody Hawkins told councillors the school had introduced a one-way system on its grounds, with pupils entering and leaving at different points. “That one-way system is working quite well,” she said. “Vehicles are coming in from the top towards the Ashton side and coming out via Cryer Street. So I do think that the restrictions we’ve got there protecting that junction are suitable.

“The reduction in on-street parking because of the restrictions will have an effect, I have no doubt about that. The displaced parking will be moved to other places. But I can’t second guess where an individual is going to park their car. I can only put in what I believe to be the safest option for everybody.”

Councillors approved the proposals unanimously.