News Release issued by
the COI News Distribution Service on 17 September 2009
Cyclists will be
allowed to ride in both directions on a number of one way streets
as part of a series of measures to encourage greener travel.
The pilot project in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
will allow cyclists to travel both ways on specific one way roads
in the borough where a 'no entry except for
cyclists' sign will be used.
Proposals to significantly reduce red tape for councils wanting
to use certain traffic signs were also published today. The new
measures will allow councils to put in place certain signs -
including those for car club parking spaces, electric car charging
points and cyclists - without the need for Government to approve
their use individually.
Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said:
"We want to make it easier for councils to encourage
people to choose greener transport options - whether that is
cycling, getting a lift in a car club or using an electric car.
"The pilot contra-flow cycling system will help to
reduce journey times for cyclists while allowing them to travel
safely and legally on the most convenient routes. If this pilot is
successful then councils across the country could be offered the
opportunity to use similar measures on their roads."
The measures are the first to be announced following the
start of the Department for Transport's Traffic Signs Review.
The consultation on amendments to the Traffic Signs Regulations
and General Directions opens today and will run for 12 weeks to
the 10th December 2009.
Currently, councils wanting to implement contra-flow cycling
on one way streets usually need to use a number of engineering
methods to create a dedicated cycle lane at the entry point. The
Kensington and Chelsea pilot will use a new 'except
cyclists' plate on existing 'no entry'
signs without the need for engineering. It is hoped that this
could provide a simpler more cost effective solution however the
pilot will include feeder lanes and will be closely monitored to
ensure safety.
Measures are also proposed to make it easier for councils to use
a sign to warn lorry drivers of roads that are not suitable for
heavy goods vehicles. This sign was devised to prevent lorry
drivers following directions from satellite navigation systems
when routes are too narrow.
Notes to Editors
1) A traffic sign can only be lawfully placed on the highway if
it is either prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and
General Directions (TSRGD) or specially authorised by the
Secretary of State. Special authorisations require the local
highway authority to make a formal application to the SoS and each
case is assessed upon its merits.
2) The Department is undertaking a consultation on amendment
regulations to TSRGD. This consultation is being launched today
and can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/
Press Enquires: 020 7944 3066
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Enquiries: 0300 300300 Department for
Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/
Contacts:
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