In June 2021, Lancashire County Council announced plans for the Penwortham to Preston Cycle Superhighway. This plan would see part of Kingsway change to a one-way system.
Many constituents in Penwortham immediately contacted me, as their Member of Parliament, to express their views on the proposals. I conducted a survey, which was available on my website and distributed to a number of residents in Penwortham. The results of this survey have been collated within the following report.
I received a total of 1248 responses to this survey.
I would like to thank all the residents who took the time to share their opinion with me via this survey. I have now presented this report to Cllr Charlie Edwards, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Lancashire County Council on the 11th of August, 2021.
The closing date for this survey was Tuesday 10th August 2021.
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3A
Question 3B
Questions 3A and 3B also had the option of making other comments on the proposal. I have outlined the most common of these below.
- Those supportive of the proposed changes pointed out that change is necessary. It was also noted that Penwortham Hill is dangerous for cyclists and the changes would improve this. Those in favour would like to see cyclists prioritised.
- Many of those concerned about the proposed changes were worried about the future of the 119 bus service that currently runs along Kingsway. Equally, many were concerned about Priory Lane and the increased congestion there. It was pointed out that it is too narrow to handle all the traffic as it is now. Reduced access for emergency vehicle was also a large concern among with the purpose of the Penwortham Bypass if the plans were to go ahead.
Question 4
‘Can you describe one change you would like to see made to the current proposals?’
An overwhelming majority described the one change they would like to see made was to abandon the whole idea. Penwortham residents feel strongly that the current system is adequate and does not need to change. Below I have highlighted a number of quotes from concerned residents.
“If Kingsway is made one way, then another access road into the Priory estate needs to be made, congestion will be awful.”
“Many residents without cars depend on the 119 circular bus which will no longer be able to access Kingsway and as a result this part of the route will be under threat.”
“Scrap them and stop fixing what isn’t broken. There isn't an alternative that would be reasonable.”
“Abandon them. It’s shocking to think emergency vehicles can’t turn right onto Kingsway and have to go all the way up the hill.”
Conclusion
The results of this survey show a strong and clear message from the residents of Penwortham. The overwhelming majority of residents believe that these proposals will further increase congestion around Kingsway, damage road and pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle access to the local area.
With this almost unanimous view from Penwortham’s residents, I call upon Lancashire County Council in my capacity as the Member of Parliament for South Ribble constituency, to abandon the proposals in their current form.
