Consultations on two new active travel schemes to help people leave the car and take more healthy options to get around are now underway.
If approved, one scheme will see new planting, paving and lighting to create a landscaped quiet environment for residents that is not dominated by vehicles, on part of Price Street in Birkenhead, between Beaufort Road and Duke Street.
New crossings will be installed at the junctions with Duke Street and Cavendish Street and this scheme will also connect to the new off-road cycling and walking facility currently under construction at Beaufort Road/Wallasey Bridge Road, where a further new crossing will be provided on Beaufort Road at junction of Price Street and Corporation Road.
Another scheme would see an upgraded pedestrian footway and cycle track along the east side of Birkenhead Road in Seacombe, between Kelvin Road and Seacombe View.
The proposals would see new parking next to the houses and businesses on the road moved from the opposite side to improve safety by removing the need for residents and visitors to cross the road to access their vehicles.
If supported, it will see almost one kilometre of new separate walking and cycling infrastructure between Wirral Waters and Seacombe Promenade. The scheme would also see the introduction of new pedestrian and cycle priority crossings across accesses and junctions on both sides of Birkenhead Road.
New and replacement tree planting would also be provided by the proposed schemes.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is providing £2.89 million funding, which is ring-fenced for the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure enhancements.
Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, said: “These suggested schemes will provide ways to make it easier and safer for people to take a greener option when travelling and hopefully encourage more people to walk and cycle more. Introducing projects like this, that include dedicated cycle lanes and improved crossings, will help protect the environment but also support people who want to live a heathier lifestyle.”
Cllr Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, added: “I would urge people to get involved and have their say on these proposals so we can make sure that any changes being made to our infrastructure not only support the regeneration of the borough but are changes that people want and will be able to make good use of. The funding for the schemes has been given to the council specifically for this purpose and is not coming from the council’s resources which are delivering frontline services.”
The consultations both opened November 23 and comments must be submitted by 5pm on the 21st December 2022.
To take part in the consultation on plans for Birkenhead Road visit https://www.haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/active-travel-improvements-birkenhead-road
If you do not have access to, or are unable to view online content, a large-scale plan is available for viewing at Wallasey Central Library, Earlston Road, Wallasey, CH45 5DX (Opening hours Monday to Saturday, 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm).
And if you want to comment on the proposals for Price Street visit https://www.haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/price-street-active-travel-scheme
If you do not have access to, or are unable to view online content, a large-scale plan is available for viewing at Birkenhead Central Library, Borough Road, Birkenhead, CH41 2XB (Opening hours Monday to Saturday, 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm).
Any written expressions of support or objections can be sent to: FREEPOST WP7 WALKING AND CYCLING, quoting the scheme name Price Street or Birkenhead Road on the letter. This address and DOES NOT REQUIRE a stamp. Your letter needs to clearly state whether you are submitting an expression of support or an objection, along with the grounds on which they are made.
For an accessible copy of the consultation documents contact activetravelprojects@wirral.gov.uk