Residents have criticised the installation of FOUR set of traffic lights to replace a zebra crossing.
The pedestrian crossings were installed around a week ago, with two on Chorley Old Road, one on Moorside Avenue, and another on New Hall Lane.
Cllr Roger Hayes says that three crossings were originally consulted on, although he says councillors had only requested one puffin crossing to replace the zebra crossing, to make it safer.
However, some concerns have been raised about potential accidents due to confusion created by the juncton, especially when drivers are coming out of Moorside Avenue.
This is due to the traffic lights being green for Moorside Avenue, whilst being red on Chorley Old Road, with locals saying it is difficult to see the pedestrians – who are then crossing when motorists are turning the corner.
Cllr Hayes said: “They started work in early November last year without notifying anybody.
“Everybody is up in arms about it.
“It cost a lot of money and is not needed.
“If somebody is walking on Chorley Old Road and someone is coming out of New Hall Lane or Moorside Avenue, there could be an accident."
Cllr Hayes said that other councillors think the scheme is 'ludicrous'.
Helen Johnson who lives on Chorley Old Road believes it has become more dangerous since the crossings were installed.
She said: “I have two young children and we cross the road four times a day and I see what safety elements were needed where the zebra crossing was.
“But all it needed was a pelican crossing.
“We didn’t need all of these crossings.
“The Moorside junction has become more dangerous since the work started.”
Some residents said that sometimes the button is either not pressed or pedestrians aren’t waiting for the green light because Chorley Old Road is clear, but there are then cars coming out of the side roads quite fast.
Helen added: “Traffic is stopping, but the light hasn’t changed green for pedestrians and then you don’t know if someone is going come out at that time from any road.”
Cllr Susan Priest says that there was “never an issue for the side roads” and that it was just the one puffin crossing that was needed.
She added: “It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Resident Ian Longthorne also said he is concerned regarding the pollution and amount of traffic in place for longer at the lights, as well it is confusing knowing when to go with cars coming out of side roads.
Other issues that residents highlighted include losing parked spaces in the area, which have been replaced with double yellow lines, as well as a bus stop which now makes it difficult for cars to see when coming out of a side road on to Chorley Old Road.
Cllr Hayes says that himself along with other ward councillors also put out a local leaflet (Bee Line Moorside Avenue) in October 2021, and responded on behalf of themselves and a number of constituents stating that the Moorside Avenue and New Hall Lane crossings were unnecessary, but he says that was not listened to.
A TfGM spokesperson said: “Bolton Council put forward proposals to upgrade the existing zebra crossing on Chorley Old Road and worked with TfGM on the scheme design and delivery.
“The improvement works are due to be completed in the coming weeks and the upgrades include improved provision for pedestrians on the arms of the junctions with New Hall Lane and Moorside Avenue.
“The upgraded crossing will enable an ‘all red’ phase for general traffic, whereby priority is given to pedestrians to cross safely across all four crossing points.
“The scheme has been designed in accordance with the required standards and features rotating cones to enable visually impaired people to cross safely.
“In addition, the signal-control on New Hall Lane and Moorside Avenue will make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists crossing Chorley Old Road.
“Bolton Council will be undertaking post-implementation monitoring once the scheme has been completed.”
It forms part of the Bee Network Crossings aimed at making areas safer, aiming to encourage more people to walk and cycle short journeys.
The scheme will now be monitored for the next six months to see how effective it is when it comes to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and traffic flow.
If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.
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