Wigan council introduce safety measures for walkers and cyclists

Leader of the council, Coun Molyneux has approved the new measures so pedestrians and cyclists can move safely and freely.

The moves comes after public feedback asking for the borough's highways to be adapted.

The measures are:

• Temporarily extend the pedestrian zone times in Wigan and Leigh town centres from 10:30am to 4pm to 9am to 5pm to help walking and cycling movements

• Introducing 20mph speed limits on some Wigan town centre roads including Standishgate, Market Street, Millgate, Crompton Street and Mesnes Street. Permanent signage will be in place. It is hoped that this particular measure will become permanent following a six month trial period.

• Extending the operating times of the bus lane on Leigh Road from peak hour to 24/7.

Coun Molyneux said: “We have always been committed to ensuring our road network is high-quality, safe and user-friendly for commuters of all kind.

“With the current situation preventing most travel, unless essential or for daily exercise, our walking and cycling schemes have proven to be invaluable, providing quality, dedicated spaces for residents to safely spend time outdoors.

“We have taken on board the comments received by the public about the current cycling and walking offer and have now made temporary changes to support our residents.”

The new measures come as the Mayor of Greater Manchester launches the regional #SafeStreetsSaveLives campaign, which places priority on pop-up infrastructure and temporary measures to enable safe essential travel and exercise for Greater Manchester residents.

Coun Molyneux, who is also cabinet member for economy and regeneration added: “We are big advocates for the Safe Streets Save Lives campaign and always look for ways that we can support people to choose cycling and walking as a mode of transport where appropriate.

“We have all adapted our way of life over the last few weeks, so if we need to adapt our highways too, we are prepared to do so for the health and wellbeing of our borough and its residents.”

As the changes in Wigan are experimental, they will implemented over the coming days. Residents with comments or objections should contact the council’s legal team for the council to consider.