The new road traffic scheme will be tested on the ‘dangerous’ junction in the city

A new road traffic scheme is to begin testing at a “dangerous intersection” in the city. Steps to improve safety on Leicester’s Lancaster Road cycle path are set to start this month on a trial basis and, if successful, the changes could be permanent.

General traffic will be prohibited from using the intersection of De Montfort Street and Lancaster Road, which will mean the closure of part of De Montfort Street to traffic. The changes are expected to come into effect for a six-month trial period starting on Sunday, May 19.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College sent letters to parents and carers last week informing them of the changes. In the letter, they said the experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is being implemented in an area that is “considered to be a particularly dangerous intersection for cyclists and pedestrians”.

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Leicester City Council said the measures are being introduced to make the junction safer for all road users and to address concerns from local cycling groups about the potential risks of cars crossing the existing cycle paths at the junction. The changes will be closely monitored and may be amended if necessary, they added.

Temporary measures include placing new road signs and removable barriers on one side of De Montfort Street, close to the Lancaster Road junction, to stop all traffic except bicycles. Vehicles will still be able to drive onto De Montfort Street from Regent Road and space will be created to turn by removing up to four paid and displayed parking spaces on both sides of the road.

The council said space would continue to be provided for the existing food truck trade.

The letter, which was sent from Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College to all parents and carers, said: “We have been notified by Leicester City Council that an experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is being implemented at the junction of De Montfort Street and Lancaster Road, which is considered a particularly dangerous intersection for cyclists and pedestrians.

“Work is scheduled for the weekend of 18/19 May 2024 and a plan of the changes is attached for your information. This TRO will mean that he will no longer be able to drive between our campuses via Lancaster Road from May 20.

“The experimental period will be monitored for six months, after which it will either be modified, abandoned, temporarily extended or made permanent. There is scope for feedback to Leicester City Council during this initial six-month trial period and the College will be closely monitored. the impact of the TRO and feed-back, as appropriate.

“Leicester City Council is aware of the impact on traffic on Regent Road and is actively assessing the road signaling and pedestrian crossings on Regent Road, with the traffic lights on Regent Road planned for review. In addition, they will be closely monitored. any road markings necessary to facilitate the safe return of vehicles at the start of the no-vehicle zone on De Montfort Street. If you have feedback once the TRO is up and running, please also give feedback directly to Leicester City Council.

Deputy Mayor Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “Lancaster Road is an important and busy route for walkers, travelers and cyclists. It is located right in the heart of the University of Leicester campus and is a well-used route linking Queens Road and Clarendon Park with the city centre.

“Along with the new cycleways on London Road, the Lancaster Road cycleway also plays an important role in helping to discourage people from cycling on New Walk.

“It is vital that we listen to feedback from people who use the route and take action to further improve safety where concerns have been raised. This trial order will allow us to test the new measures and listen to feedback before making permanent changes.”

The TRO will be live from Wednesday, May 8, on the city hall’s website. Just search for “traffic regulation order”.