New Meols FOCUS newsletter now out

The latest Focus newsletter from Meols Ward Liberal Democrats is now hitting the streets of Churchtown, Crossens and Marshside.

Work to start on Rufford Road / Bankfield Lane traffic scheme

Work will start on the Rufford Road and Bankfield Lane traffic calming scheme on Monday the 30th January. The work is expected to last for five weeks.

The speed management scheme involves speed cushions, improved road markings and signage, vehicle activated speed signs, and improvements to the zebra crossing on Rufford Road.

There was an exceptionally high response to the consultation with local residents on this scheme, with many very positive comments made. The traffic measures are being introduced following 22 accidents that have occurred along Bankfield Lane and Rufford Road, including the tragic death of a young motorcyclist on Bankfield Lane.

Buses and emergency vehicles are able to straddle speed cushions without any detriment to passenger comfort, delays to journey times and in the case of the Emergency Services, no delays in response times.

Cllr John Dodd welcomes traffic calming measures for Bankfield Lane / Rufford Road

Cllr John Dodd has welcomed the proposed speed management scheme for Bankfield Lane and Rufford Road. Reduction in speeding traffic should provide a safer environment for residents and visitors to the area. Measures are proposed to address vehicles travelling at  high speed following 22 accidents that have occurred along Bankfield Lane and Rufford Road.

In addition, there have been several collisions resulting in damage to property, particularly at the bottom of Bankfield  Lane bridge. Cllr Dodd went on to say that automatic traffic counts have shown that speed is high along the route, with 1 in 7 vehicles travelling at over 36 miles per hour on Rufford Road.

Cllr Dodd said that Sefton Council delivered 268 consultation packs to residents and businesses in Rufford Road and Bankfield Lane. Over half the consultation forms were returned, an exceptionally high response. Of the replies, 6 in 10 were favourable to the proposed scheme and a number of very positive comments were made.

Cllr Dodd also welcomed the much improved zebra crossing on Rufford Road. The elevated zebra crossing will also reduce traffic speed and the new lighting units to the poles will give advanced warning of the crossing which, in turn, results in slower approach speed and the reduced risk of collisions on the crossing.

Councillors will vote on introducing the new speeding measures at the Southport Area Committee meeting on Wednesday 28th September.

Rufford Road / Bankfield Lane speeding problem

The consultation period on the speed management scheme for Rufford Road and Bankfield Lane has now ended.

John Dodd at the site of a fatal accident on Bankfield Lane

Councillors John Dodd, David Rimmer and Nigel Ashton have met with Sefton Council officials to discuss the feedback. A report on the proposed scheme will be presented to the next meeting of the Southport Area Committee, at Southport Town Hall at 6:30 pm on Wednesday 28th September.