Motorists face fines for stopping on Sheffield's first 'red route' near new £23m bike lane in Attercliffe
Motorists face fines for stopping on Sheffield’s first ‘red route’ in one of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods.
More than a mile of double red lines, from Attercliffe to the Arena, will ban parking, loading and waiting 24-hours a day.
The London-style scheme will be enforced by cameras with the power to issue penalty charge notices, city council documents show.
The aim is to prevent a new bike lane from being blocked by cars.
A segregated two-mile route is under construction as part of a £23m scheme announced in 2024. It is part of a bike lane building boom called Connecting Sheffield.
A city council document states: “The first red route in Sheffield will help ensure the improved cycling, walking and wheeling infrastructure is always available for use and keep traffic moving.”
Surveys show more than 100 vehicles a day are parking or loading illegally on Attercliffe Road, it adds. The red route will also improve safety and bus journey times.
In London, the standard fine for stopping on a red route is £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
A red route was proposed on Ecclesall Road in 2021 to support all-day bus lanes. The plan was abandoned after protests.
The Attercliffe project will also feature a 20mph zone, more than a dozen new road crossings and what will be Sheffield’s longest bike lane.
The project has divided opinion, with some businesses fearing the disruption will finish them off.
Marcway Models said: “We have traded on Attercliffe Road for over 50 years. We have survived floods, the pandemic and prolonged periods of slow business. Sadly, this feels like it will be the final nail in the coffin.”
IQRA Lifestyle Store added: “We have raised numerous concerns and have asked the council to engage in constructive dialogue and proportionate solutions that protect both regeneration objectives and the economic survival of local businesses.”
But David Slater, of Attercliffe Business Connection, said he was “very pleased.”
“They are doing a fantastic job, this is just what Attercliffe needs.”
Sheffield City Council said the scheme would give people “genuine choice in how they get around.”
It would also prepare Attercliffe for up to 3,000 new homes and 1,500 jobs over the next 10-15 years.
Coun Ben Miskell, chair of Sheffield Council’s transport committee, said the works would make Attercliffe more attractive and create a stronger gateway into the city.
He added: “With two large schools nearby, improving road safety is crucial so children can travel to and from the classroom safely every day.
“What we are creating here are people‑friendly, prosperous streets.”
A two-mile bike lane from the city centre, through Attercliffe, to Sheffield Arena will be Sheffield’s longest.
It will also be the gold standard, with riders and vehicles separated by high kerbs along its length.
New cycling infrastructure in Sheffield also includes routes on Pinstone, Surrey, Tenter, Castle and Cambridge streets in the city centre and a Dutch roundabout at West Bar.