Decision Maker: Pennines Township Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: June 3, 2025

Purpose: To obtain approval to start an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order for a trial of a proposed School Street, subject to consultation.

Content: The Committee considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval to commence an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order for the introduction of a School Street on Victoria Street at Holy Trinity Primary School, subject to consultation.   The Team Leader Network Improvement and Development was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Committee.   The Officer informed that, in line with aspirations set out from Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayor and the Active Travel Commissioner, the GM region was aiming to transform the school run, putting measures in place that promote cycling, scooting, walking, and wheeling by restricting access to motorised vehicles during school start and finish times.   Consultation was planned in from June 2025 into July 2025 for a four week period, subject to positive feedback it was the intention of the Highways Service to introduce an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order which would allow the School Street to operate on a section of Victoria Street for a 6-18 month period.   If the experimental scheme was a successes, Elected Members would have the opportunity to make a future Township decision to make the scheme permanent – if this key decision was not taken within the 6-18 month period, the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order would be removed.    In addition to physical on street measures, importantly the scheme would fund a behaviour change programme – this would provide a resource to go into the school during the trial and influence parents pupils and other key stakeholders to think about how they travelled and influence travel patterns. Behaviour change initiatives had successfully used information, norms, and persuasive appeals to shift attitudes and intentions towards more active travel.   The Committee attentively considered the information and unanimously endorsed the principle of the proposal. However, the Committee raised its concern that the proposed location for the Traffic Experimental Order could be unsuitable, as it could have a negative impact on both local residents and businesses by worsening existing traffic conditions.In particular, the Committee was concerned about the closing of Victoria street as there was no provision to manage traffic on the A58 and potential issue with junctions being over capacity.   During the discussion, members expressed general support for the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in principle. It was acknowledged that the proposal aligned with broader Council’s objectives, but its implementation should remain responsive to public feedback. If the consultation process did not result in significant changes to the scheme, there was a shared view that it would be appropriate for the Head of Township and Libraries, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair, and relevant ward councillors, to oversee its progression. However, should the consultation highlight the need for substantial revisions, members agreed that it would be more appropriate for the matter to return to the Township Committee for further deliberation. This approach ensured transparency and maintained the Committee’s oversight on decisions that may significantly affect the local community.   Resolved: That the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) be approved in principle; That, subject to the outcome of the public consultation and provided no significant amendments to the proposed scheme are necessary, delegated authority be granted to the Head of Township and Libraries, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair of the Township Committee, and relevant ward councillors, to approve the implementation of the Experimental TRO; That, should the public consultation indicate the need for substantial changes to the proposed scheme, the matter be referred back to the Township Committee for further consideration and decision.   Reason for decision: These resolutions would ensure transparency and maintained the Committee’s oversight on decisions that may significantly affect the local community.     Alternatives considered and rejected: The proposal could be brought forward using a standard Traffic Regulation Order which would be permanent. However, due to the emerging nature and this being the first School Street in the Borough, Highways Officers would recommend using an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order in this instance, to understand more fully how the School Street would operate in reality and what kind of objections might be raised.