Scrap John Street bus lane says Council Leader Richard Farnell

John Street, Rochdale Online

Rochdale council leader Richard Farnell has asked highways bosses to investigate the scrapping of the John Street bus lane.

He says the priority lane causes greater congestion for other vehicles and is “hardly used”.

Councillor Farnell said: “The junction at the top of John Street is one of the busiest in the borough. There have been even bigger tailbacks there recently because of road resurfacing work at the top end of Yorkshire Street.

“However, what frustrates motorists even more is that the bus lane right along John Street is adding to the congestion. It is hardly used. If it were removed and the lane opened up to all traffic, it would allow many more vehicles to pass through this junction. It would speed thing up no end.

“Many towns and cities are reviewing the effectiveness of bus lanes. While some are vital to keep buses moving, many just add to the growing congestion problems on our busy roads. That’s why I have asked the council’s traffic engineers to investigate the John Street bus lane with a view to scrapping it.”

Councillor Farnell has also asked for a review of the timings at town centre traffic lights to ensure tailbacks are kept to an absolute minimum.