“We should not be thinking about traffic going right through the heart of the city'
Andy Burnham has backed ongoing changes to Deansgate but is ‘prepared to speak to any business struggling’ due to roadworks. The city centre thoroughfare is currently being worked on by Manchester City Council, which has installed a two-way bike lane and larger pedestrian crossings at its southern tip.
But the plans have been controversial, after making the road one-way, southbound-only. Motorists and taxi drivers have repeatedly hit out at the plans, blaming them for miserable traffic seen in the run-up to Christmas . As criticism grew, the mayor said he would lead an ‘honest review’ into the scheme. While the outcomes of that review remain unknown, Mr Burnham — who has no role in implementing the changes — has now backed the project. “I personally believe more pedestrianisation of the heart of the city centre and more segregated space for cycling so they are not on pavements is the right thing for the city to do,” he told BBC Radio Manchester on Thursday . “We should not be thinking about traffic going right through the heart of the city. Other second cities do not allow that.” In recent days, criticism from businesses has again increased. JW Lees brewery boss, William Lees-Jones said: 'It's the lack of ownership and vision that I find astonishing — would be great to have some clarity on what's happening.' That prompted the mayor to make a promise to business owners in the area. He went on: “I think the pedestrianisation when it’s there — when the warmer weather comes — will benefit those businesses. They will be more attractive to use as people can easily and safely move around. “I would be prepared to speak to any business that’s struggling and represent some of the concerns they have got.” Roadworks ‘are coming to the end’, the mayor added, and the council believes it will be complete by Easter . A statement from the authority said: “We recognise that and we do sympathise with those who have been impacted in the short-term. 'But we would invite people to think about the benefits that are to come – cleaner air, fewer cars in the city centre, safer streets to walk and cycle on and more space for people to live and work and experience Manchester.”
Manchester City Centre Deansgate Andy Burnham Manchester Council
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