Sheffield City Council unmoved as hundreds sign petition against red route in Attercliffe
‘The introduction of restrictions pose significant challenges for businesses that depend on vehicular access’
Hundreds of people have signed a petition against a ‘red route’ banning stopping in Attercliffe.
More than 660 want the city council to drop plans for a red route on Attercliffe Road and the closure of Oaks Green and Shortridge Street.
They also want the authority to support local businesses by dropping plans for more parking restrictions and ensure free car parks remain free.
Sheffield City Council is installing a two-mile bike lane from the city centre to Sheffield Arena, through Attercliffe.
On Attercliffe Road, a ‘segregated’ bike lane, with high kerbs is being constructed on both sides of the road.
It will be supported by double red lines to prevent cars and delivery vehicles holding up traffic by stopping in the road. They will be enforced by cameras issuing penalty charge notices.
The petition was launched by Attercliffe Action Group.
It said: “The plans to establish a Red Route on Attercliffe Road, alongside the permanent closure of Oaks Green and Shortridge Street, have elicited strong opposition from the local business community and residents.
“The introduction of restrictions prohibiting waiting, loading, or parking pose significant challenges for businesses that depend on vehicular access.
“Additionally, the road closures threaten accessibility to the primary car parks serving Attercliffe Road, thereby further exacerbating the difficulties faced by the area’s commercial establishments.”
A city council spokesperson said the proposals were about improving how the area functions and measures like the red route and street changes were designed to reduce congestion, improve journey reliability and create safer, more attractive streets, which in turn support footfall and long-term economic activity.
Removing restrictions would not resolve existing issues and risks worsening traffic and accessibility over time, they added.
The authority also said access to existing car parks would continue to be available via alternative routes and it was “committed” to improving signage to car parks, creating a longer loading bay on Attercliffe Road near Shortridge Street, and providing more on-street parking on Chippingham Place and Shortridge Street.
And there were no plans to introduce parking charges in the Attercliffe area.
The project has been welcomed by businesses including Colin Perkins, shop floor manager at Accelerate UK running store, who hopes it will “sort out unsafe parking.”
Surveys show more than 100 vehicles a day are parking or loading illegally on Attercliffe Road, the city council says. The red route will also improve safety and bus journey times.