Lendal Bridge trial – month one data

 
Issued by City of York Council

City of York Council has published data from the first month of the Lendal Bridge traffic trial which demonstrates that overall the traffic network has responded well to the restriction.

Available to view on the council website the report provides a range of data, which will continue to be collected throughout the six months trial and updated on the website as this progresses.

The base line data provided at the start of the trial has been updated to reflect the recent figures for traffic volumes and flows on the bridges and selected main routes and, Park&Ride journey times.

The traffic count data collected so far shows that the flows during the restricted period are about the same as flows in September 2012.

The general network seems to be largely unaffected by the restriction, although it continues to be monitored closely by operators in the council’s Traffic Control Centre. Signal timings have, and are continuing to be, adjusted city wide to optimise the timings to help the flow of traffic and in response to any incidents on the network.

The preliminary results from the traffic flow data and journey time data are broadly positive at this stage. However, it is still relatively early days of the trial and traffic conditions across the city may continue to change as drivers further adjust to the restrictions.

Whilst overall traffic levels on the routes into the city have remained constant, specific incidents and events such as the Sky Ride (on September 14) and localised flooding as a result of heavy rain, has had an impact on congestion and queuing at particular locations, which is not as a direct result of the Lendal Bridge restriction.

In addition to this, there would be expected increases in traffic flows in comparison to August, as schools resumed normal term time in September. However, with any location there are always day to day variations in traffic flows

With regards to signage, a comprehensive and DfT compliant scheme was implemented to inform drivers of the Lendal Bridge restriction, including its timings and that it is to be enforced by cameras.

In addition, 34 AA advisory signs have been installed on the Inner Ring Road and key radials providing access into the city centre, both inside and outside of the Outer Ring Road.

Ruth Stephenson, Major Transport Projects Manager, at City of York Council, said: “York’s traffic network has responded well to the Lendal Bridge trial and preliminary results indicate that the network is fundamentally unaffected by the restriction.

“We are of course continuing to closely monitor the trial as it progresses and signal timings will continue to be adjusted to optimise the timings and help the flow of traffic.”

Cllr Dave Merrett, Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning and Sustainability, said “We’d like to thank residents and businesses for their forbearance and co-operation in this trial, and also everyone who has fed back their views through the online consultation as well as drop in events in the city centre.

“I would encourage even more people to complete the survey on the council website.”

Will Pearson, Business Manager for First in York, said: “We are happy to continue supporting City of York Council on the Lendal Bridge trial and since it started we have seen improvements in terms of bus punctuality and reliability.

“We have now lowered a number of fares on our buses by as much as 25% offering good value for money and we are already seeing more passengers take advantage of these improvements to bus services.”

Following public feedback during the first few weeks of the trial, further AA advisory signs carrying more specific detail will be installed from early October.

All of which are additional signs put in place to help all road users. A map showing the location of all signs can be found at the council website.

To further assist visiting drivers, Visit York recently sent out information to all their members to help them advise their customers of the restrictions over Lendal Bridge. The council is also launching a new online journey planner (available at i-Travel York) that will present tailored transport options for journeys in and around York.

Further travel planning websites including Transport Direct and Google Maps also now avoid directing drivers over the bridge.

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