MEASURES to tackle traffic congestion and improve both traffic flow and parking are due to be introduced on part of a busy Leicester road.
The changes are being brought in along a section of Green Lane Road in Evington, between Bridge Road and East Park Road, where the combination of heavy traffic and inconsiderate car parking frequently cause delays and disruption.
Currently that section of Green Lane Road is open to two-way traffic, along with a limited-waiting parking bays which operate outside of rush hour on the north-east side of the road.
However, drivers parking along that stretch of road during rush hour times can cause traffic congestion, leading to vehicles driving on the pavement to try to get past the pinch point.
The new plans would see that section of Green Lane Road made one-way, and the existing one-way system extended at Bridge Road and London Street to prevent rat-running.
It means Bridge Road will be one-way from Green Lane Road to Stonebridge Street, and London Street will be one-way from Green Lane Road to Leicester Street.
The work follows the success of a temporary one-way system which was introduced in Green Lane Road during the Covid-19 lockdown, and which improved traffic flow and parking problems in the area.
The new scheme will also see improved parking for both local business and residents put in place on those streets, with two loading bays on the north-east side operating Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to 9.30am, after which they will become one-hour parking spaces from 9.30am to 6pm.
An additional one-hour parking bay will also be created in the area between 134 and 168 Green Lane Road, which will operate 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
On Bridge Road, one-hour parking bays will be created on both sides of the road, operating from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. A one-hour loading bay is also planned for the southeast side, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
Finally on London Street, one-hour parking bays are planned on the southeast side, operating 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
In all three streets, the existing double yellow lines and kerb bars will remain.
Work is due to take place to put in place the changes at the end of this month, with the new measures coming into effect from October 30.
Leicester deputy city mayor for climate, economy and culture, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “Green Lane Road is a very busy street, with numerous shops and businesses which require deliveries and customer parking, as well as being a major route through that neighbourhood.
“The current combination of parking and traffic flow can cause significant problems, which we are looking to address.
“Consultation with the community, emergency services and ward councillors has shown significant support for bringing in these measures which should help strike a better balance between traffic flow, road safety and parking.”
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