A bus-only route in Preston city centre is set to be shortened – and a one-way system reversed – under plans being considered by highways bosses.
The changes have been proposed to help accommodate the traffic that will be generated by the city’s new youth zone, Vault, which is due to open later this year.
If approved, the stretch of Tithebarn Street currently covered by a so-called ‘bus gate’ – which outlaws all traffic except buses, taxis, cycles and other authorised vehicles – will be reduced.
Read more: Grimsargh House set to be demolished and replaced with new home
The starting point for the restriction would remain the road’s junction with Old Vicarage – but the ban would end at Crooked Lane, rather than continuing through to Lord Street, as it does currently.
Meanwhile, Crooked Lane itself, which is a one-way street running from opposite the bus station through to Lancaster Road – emerging in front of the town hall – would see traffic flowing in the opposite direction instead.
The changes would create a circular travelling option introduced from – and back to – Lancaster Road, via Crooked Lane, Tithebarn Street and Lord Street.
Outlining its reasons for the proposal, Lancashire County Council says the overhaul is designed to “allow better access to the new [youth zone] facilities”. It explains that Crooked Lane is too narrow to permit two-way traffic.
A separate plan suggests introducing short-stay parking space on Crooked Lane to enable the dropping off and collection of children attending the youth zone. Waiting would be limited to 30 minutes, with no return allowed within three hours.
A disabled parking bay would be installed on Tithebarn Street “to aid mobility-impaired” youth zone users.
Both sets of proposals are now open to public consultation. Comments can be emailed to tro-consultation@lancashire.gov.uk, by 22nd August – quoting reference LSG4\894.21004\AFR in relation to the bus gate and one-way changes, and LSG4\894.21005\AFR to respond to the parking plans.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
