Sefton councillors are being asked to consider a range of new traffic measures in and around the Southport Town Centre, including a 20mph speed limit for Eastbank Street.
A report to Sefton Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee recommends councillors approve the measures, which in addition to the new speed limit for Eastbank Street include the “decluttering” of Chapel Street, and the implementation of a one-way system on a small section of King Street, next to Southport Market.
The proposals are part of the ‘Les Transformations de Southport’ project, itself part of the Town Deal.
If the measures are approved, engagement with the owners and occupiers on Market Street, King Street, Eastbank Street and Chapel Street will be carried out in later this year, with installation scheduled for 2023.
Measures proposed by the Council include:
Market Street
Sefton Council plan to introduce traffic calming measures along Market Street, measures that they say were supported by the public during a consultation earlier this year.
New street lighting will also be installed in the area.
The report states: “The traffic-free section is proposed to extend from the junction of King Street alongside the Market, as far as the service access to the Market. The section of the Street from the Market service entrance to the junction with Princes Street will remain open to traffic. However, Market Street is currently one-way towards Princes Street. It is proposed to change the section of Market Street between the Market service access and Princes Street to two way traffic to provide access to the Market and to properties along that section. This will require the removal of up
to 6 parking spaces to provide sufficient width for two way traffic.”
King Street
“It is proposed to introduce a new one way traffic flow arrangement on King Street, between Eastbank Street and Market Street (with traffic permitted to travel from Eastbank Street).
“A new, wider paved surface will be provided along the eastern side of King Street, connecting to the traffic free section of Market Street and providing a high quality pedestrian route between the Market and Eastbank Street.”
Eastbank Street
“To improve the safety of all road users it is proposed to introduce a 20mph speed limit on Eastbank Street, from the roundabout junction with St James Street and Virginia Street to the
junction with Lord Street
Chapel Street
“The proposals for Chapel Street do not include any modifications to the public highway, but will include potential changes to the street furniture. Where redundant street furniture exists, it will be removed. Modifications to the existing benches will be considered to make them more comfortable and to prevent litter accumulating under them.
“Some of the existing street furniture close to the station entrance may be removed, so that there is more open space around the station entrance, creating a plaza style effect.
“Opportunities to improve the lighting will also be investigated.
“Separate discussions are ongoing with the owners of the station entrance about potential improvements to their property, with the aim of creating a more attractive and welcoming environment around the station.”
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