Bus-lane plea to ease jams

COUNCILLORS’ campaign . . . (from left) Kay Knox, Lynne Thompson, Jackie Stanton, Linda Dawson, Jim McArdle and Roger Hindle

COUNCILLORS are calling for bus lane rules to be relaxed in Huddersfield Road.

Campaigners from St James and Waterhead wards also want immediate improvements to road markings around the Hill Stores area and Ripponden Road.

St James Councillor Roger Hindle said: “Some things can quite easily be improved, such as repainting all the junction markings so they are more visible.

“Other ideas, such as a yellow box junction at Ripponden Road and Huddersfield Road are also to be investigated.”

Councillors are concerned that congestion will only get worse when Metrolink work starts around the Mumps area.

Waterhead Councillor Kay Knox added: “The congestion around the entrance to the Tesco store is very concerning and we are looking at how this can be improved.

“We have requested the council carry out traffic surveys and counts in the area and make arrangements with the Integrated Transport Authority to close the bus lanes, at least on a temporary basis, while the Metrolink work around Mumps is carried out. We feel this will help to ease traffic flows around Hill Stores.”

A petition was launched by the councillors at the weekend. Visit www.axethebuslanes.org.uk  to find out more.