Motorists triumph as bus traffic lights are finally turned off

The controversial bus priority traffic lights on the A61 Chesterfield road at Meadowhead are finally facing closure after a long campaign by commuters and residents to Sheffield City Council, complaining that traffic congestion has increased.

The complex traffic light system on the A61, approaching Woodseats, has been scrapped after angry  residents  complained it has caused congestion, forcing drivers to make longer journeys to miss the huge traffic jams.

The lights were installed to hold traffic in a queue and allow buses to come through. However drivers find the lights are turning red all the time, even with no buses coming so cars still have to wait, causing frustration amongst drivers.

A local resident Moreen Barker, a regular public transport user, said: “The new bus lights were supposed to make travelling by bus through Woodseats quicker, instead I am stuck in traffic for an extra 20 minutes, I am fuming.”

“Also have the Council forgot their commitment to green and environmental issues? All these traffic jams are causing more pollution and toxins.”

After months of petitions and campaigns from local people, Sheffield council have finally acted on the huge number of comments they received and are going to turn off the lights.

The A61, Meadowhead road traffic.

It was the feelings of people like Peter Marsden that brought about the u-turn. Peter Marsden, a regular commuter on this road, said: “I dread driving home in rush hour after work, as I know I will be stuck in traffic for an hour. I am very angry and have made a complaint to the council.”

“It’s frustrating, and an annoyance which could have been avoided if they had not made the lights so complex.” 

The report considered at the cabinet highway committee has recommended the bus gate lights should be removed and the bus lane extended down the road. This should not affect bus operations as the bus lane will still have priority but motorists will not have to wait at the lights when no bus is coming, improving the residents and road user’s route.

Councillor Ian Auckland, the council’s cabinet member for Business, transport and skills, said: “It is a shame that another transport mistake has been left by Labour and hard earned taxpayer’s money has been wasted.”

“However the process involved has been recognised, from the ongoing concerns of locals on how this busy main road operates. Changes are proposed which will be more conventional and less restrictive for the travelling public.”

The council’s proposal is to create a continuous bus lane and switch the bus lights off. Other highway changes on the road to Woodseats include removing several pedestrian crossings which have caused heavy traffic. These changes will be part of the budget for next year.


To keep updated on any upcoming roadworks in and around Sheffield, visit the Sheffield City Council Highway website at:     http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/roads/travel/driving/roadworks/roadworks