Oldham’s Conservative party has criticised the announcement of a new scheme aimed at cutting air pollution and improving the health of people living in Chadderton.
A consultation has been launched to create active neighbourhoods, meaning car access is divided in to ‘access zones’ in the area.
The number of miles driven using motor vehicles in Oldham has risen in recent decades.
According to the Department for Transport, just 502 million vehicle miles were driven in Oldham in 1993, increasing 43 per cent to 713.5 million before the pandemic, in 2019, and 662.2 million in 2021.
While each active neighbourhood area would still be fully accessible by car, drivers would be unable to use the areas as a shortcut, having to travel on the main roads surrounding the area.
Walking, wheeling, and cycling through would also still be permitted.
Also known as low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), they are a national government policy aimed at cutting cut-through car traffic.
ALSO READ: Figures show Oldham has sixth lowest cycling rate in England.
The scheme would use bollards placed so drivers would have to go around to drive between different parts of the area.
Conservatives criticise plans as ‘nightmare’
Oldham’s Conservatives criticised the plans on Facebook, saying: “This could end up being an unmitigated disaster. It needs a radical rethink and redrawing.”
The party added that the plans could “make it a nightmare if trying to go to ASDA, the precinct, Doctors and Baths”, and “a nightmare for local residents trying to get home.”
The party also said the scheme would increase emergency response times – a claim which has previously been disputed by the Department for Transport, which says the schemes increase public safety and reduce road injuries.
Harry Gray, a member of walking and cycling campaign group Walk Ride GM, took a different view.
He said: “Active neighbourhoods are vital to reducing the amount of rat-running traffic on residential streets.
“We welcome the scheme announced in Oldham and would like to see them rolled out across Greater Manchester.”
Council view
Oldham Council encouraged anyone with an opinion on the scheme to respond to the consultation on its website.
The council also plans to hold four 45 minute long question and answer sessions on Tuesday, October 18 at both the OBA Millennium Cultural Centre and the Chadderton Wellbeing Centre.
Those interested need to book a place, which can be done on the council’s website.
Council leader Amanda Chadderton said: “Over the last 10 years there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicles on our residential streets.
“Our proposals for an Active Neighbourhood are about prioritising people over cars in residential areas. This can be done by making just a few simple changes.
“This means areas become much safer and quieter – meaning children can play out on their bikes and scooters if they want.
“Before anything happens in the neighbourhood, we want people to share their views with us.
“Let’s work together to hopefully bring these improvements to your local area.”
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