A major Kirklees transport scheme can now take the next steps as local objections have been overruled.
The Dewsbury, Batley, and Chidswell Sustainable Travel Corridor links Dewsbury town centre with Batley train station and is the subject of an improvement scheme. The project, which comes as part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme, aims to create a safer, more accessible, and attractive environment for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
On 18 Frebruary, Cabinet Committee for Local Issues met to consider objections in response to some of the scheme’s proposals. These came in the form of a Traffic Regulation Order featuring the introduction of a designated segregated cycle lane, along with a peak-time loading restriction at key sections of A652 Bradford Road between 7:00am–10:00am and 4:00pm–7:00pm, as well as a 24/7 no waiting restriction.
The restrictions are intended to ensure that the cycle lane is unobstructed during the busiest travel periods, improving safety and encouraging use. On top of this, the plans feature a raised kerb to kerb plateau on Rouse Mill Lane which incorporates level pedestrian and cycle uncontrolled crossings. The meeting’s report describes this measure as a “critical traffic calming intervention” designed to support the safe operation of the wider scheme.
When the proposals were advertised, one objection and a petition on behalf of local businesses were sent to the council opposing the proposed cycle lane and the timed ‘no loading/unloading’ on Bradford Road at peak times and constant no waiting restriction. A second petition was launched by a local resident who raised concerns regarding the proposed traffic calming feature on Rouse Mill Lane.
Council officers concluded that the removal of the planned restrictions would compromise the scheme’s “directness” and could pose a safety risk and force cyclists to deviate onto the carriageway. It was highlighted that this would undermine the scheme’s objectives and increase the potential for accidents. The committee felt that the benefits of the scheme outweighed the concerns raised by objectors and agreed that the measures should go-ahead.
