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Four years after it was installed, consultation is finally set to begin on whether to remove the controversial Fender Lane cycle scheme between Bidston and Moreton.
The £204,000 scheme has been blighted with problems since it was first installed, without consultation, in 2020.
A legally-required Equality Impact Assessment was carried out by the Council and recognised the disruption it would cause to road users stating ‘Journey times of all users will increase as a result of the introduction of a cycle lane/loss of one lane for vehicular traffic.’
Soon afterwards, vital data on how the lane was being used was lost and in February 2023, a petition of more than 1,000 names against the scheme was submitted by former Independent Councillor for Leasowe, Karl Greaney.
In response to continued complaints, the Town Hall employed a team of five consultants to assess the route and seek views via a public consultation.
The three councillors for Moreton West & Saughall Massie are urging residents to take part, and to tell the Town Hall which of the three options they want:
- No changes to the current route on Fender Lane
- Removal of the current route on Fender Lane and put back to how it was before changes were made in 2020
- Changes to the current route on Fender Lane
Councillor Colin Baldwin said: “This is a waste of taxpayers’ money. The lanes are hardly used and are just another example of a council that is pandering to a vocal lobby instead of serving the majority of residents.”
Councillor Gary Bennett said: “Anyone who uses it will tell you that a cyclist is a rare sighting, while delays and tailbacks are adding to air and noise pollution. The Council wouldn’t have needed consultants if they’d used any common sense on this scheme.”
Councillor Vida Wilson added: “The preferred option for the people we have spoken to are clear – they want the cycle lanes removed. Let’s see if the Council has the courage to admit their mistake.”
This consultation will open on Monday 14th of October until Monday 2nd December and will be available at https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/hub-page/active-travel
