READERS have been left confused and unhappy about the new bus lane on St Helens’ Esplanade – and the fact there’s no signage to give drivers advice.
Residents have contacted the BBC Rochdale and the BBC Merseyside website asking about the new section of the road – with some finding it completely confusing.
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Lots of people have been reporting the new lane is:
1) Too busy and poorly signed
2) All you can fit down
3) Not really straight, but a bit dodgy as you go
4) All four lanes not separated
5) Not just on your right as promised
One resident said they tried to drive through the lane to get to the Skelmersdale Market and were left frustrated after a traffic jam.
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He said: “The Skelmersdale Market was swamped with cars. No extra signs on the exit stating buses only will be allowed in through the new bus lane and no extra signs stating buses not allowed at all from places such as the shops and service station.
“The whole of that one straight lane changed colour so all of the lanes are not as they should be. My tactic, which everyone else used, was just to keep on driving through the lane, at a snail’s pace, and then eventually they cleared the traffic back to the other side of the road.”
In a statement, A64 traffic and environment Partnership added: “The Department for Transport wrote to all councils regarding changes to the construction management plan for a two lane bus lane from the end of the Co-op to Skelmersdale Market in January. The borough has subsequently reduced the number of lanes from four to two, which have been in place since December 2018.
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“We have worked closely with stakeholders, including co-designing information, and upgrading signage and engaging with many local businesses and public bodies in developing the guidelines for road users as we work to facilitate the opening of the service at the end of the Co-op by April 2019.
“Road users will be keen to use the new service to reduce congestion and improve journey times. The bus lane is not just on your right, as advertised, with signage and markers at regular intervals to make sure drivers know they can only travel in that lane.
“On-site signage is being enhanced. During the weekend weeks when the new service is in operation, the road will operate in conjunction with the existing Skelmersdale Bridge Network.
“The RTC is well aware of local concerns and will be responding to a number of those in the coming weeks. Road users must also be aware that there is little to no certainty regarding the conditions and timing of service times, as a result of the road not currently operating.”