Bus lanes scrapped to ease hold-ups

BUS lanes on Huddersfield Road are to be suspended to ease congestion.

Oldham Council has decided to scrap the restrictions on both sides of the A62, between Cross Street and Ripponden Road, until further notice.

The move means that all motorists will now be able to use the lanes at all times from today.

The decision has come after concerns that the lanes, teamed with Metrolink construction work at Mumps, were causing traffic chaos, long delays and congestion.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “Metrolink will provide enormous benefits to Oldham, bringing a first-class integrated public transport network and infrastructure.

“However, during these works we recognise that that there will inevitably be increased congestion in some areas.

“Officers have now decided to suspend these bus lane sections on Huddersfield Road in order to provide more space for queuing traffic. This should also reduce the risk of blocking occurring at major junctions.”

The new Mumps Metrolink stop is expected to open this autumn.