Calls for action over Hillsborough traffic chaos as ambulances and fire engines "forced to make U-turns"
“That we're still none the wiser as to when this chaos will end is unacceptable”
A councillor has claimed that temporary traffic lights in a Sheffield suburb are causing chaos - with ambulances and fire engines stuck in queues forced to make U-turns to get round them.
Temporary lights in Hillsborough are leaving emergency services having to find alternative routes as they respond to calls, claims Councillor Dr Will Sapwell.
He said motorists have been battling incessant traffic on Holme Lane over the past few weeks, with temporary traffic signals on ‘Hillsborough Corner’ - near the junction on Bradfield Road and Langsett Road - causing massive queues.
“It's just not good enough,” Coun Sapwell added.
“Fire engines are having to take side roads, ambulances are being forced to make U-turns and find other routes. Not to mention all the stress for commuters, school kids, and business owners who are seeing footfall plummet.
“It's taken over a week for the council to get an update out, and that we're still none the wiser as to when this chaos will end is unacceptable."
A statement from the council explaining the reason for the roadworks and delays - shared by the Hillsborough Green Party - explains that an on-street fault has caused problems with the permanent traffic system, adding: “We appreciate the frustration this is causing.”
The statement continues: “Work is ongoing to build, configure and test the replacement equipment before it can be installed on site. The current aim is to restore the permanent traffic signals as soon as practicable.
“However, this remains dependent upon the successful completion of testing, installation and commissioning activities and, at this stage, we are unable to provide a confirmed date for reinstatement.
“We recognise the impact these delays are having on residents, businesses and public transport services and will continue to work towards reinstating the permanent traffic signals as soon as practicable.”
The council has approached the temporary traffic management providers to review the existing signals that are causing delays on Hillsborough Corner in an effort to improve traffic flow.
In a post on Facebook, the Hillsborough Green Party described the congestion as “appalling,” saying their councillors will “keep pushing for improved temporary traffic light phasing and a speedy resolution”.
The current problems come as Sheffield City Council is running a public consultation on planned changes on the roads of Hillsborough.
As part of the ‘Connecting Sheffield: Upper Don Valley’ scheme, the council is proposing to extend bus and tram gate provisions on Hillsborough Corner from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
The council has also suggested widening Holme Lane - which will mean making changes to parking arrangements - in the hope of improving traffic flow, as well as changing layouts of connecting side streets with clear one way routes.