The first in a series of measures designed to help make Greater Manchester’s streets even safer for pedestrians and cyclists has been introduced.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is introducing countdown timers at key locations in the city centre and along Oxford Road as part of the bus priority package.
This technology – more commonly seen on the streets of New York and London – allows people to make informed decisions on whether to cross the road or wait.
The countdown takes place once the green man has gone off, counting down how much time is remaining to cross before the red man appears and lights turn green for traffic.
This is the first time in the United Kingdom, outside of London, that countdown timers will be introduced at several junctions in one area.
The first timer was installed at the Princess Street and Charles Street junction in the city centre earlier this week.
Princess Street will have two junctions improved at Whitworth Street and Charles Street. It is also the first time that Toucan crossings will have countdown timers.
Over the coming months the new crossings will be introduced along Oxford Road at the junctions with Grafton Street, Dover Street, Booth Street, Grosvenor Street, Charles Street and Whitworth Street.
Plans for Oxford Road include ‘Dutch-style’ cycle lanes on both sides of the carriageway, cycle bypass lanes at bus stops, a one-mile long bus, hackney carriage and emergency vehicle section between Hathersage Road and Grosvenor Street, as well as an improved pedestrian environment along the whole corridor.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee said: “The measures we are introducing as part of the bus priority package – such as the countdown timers and the ‘Dutch-style’ cycle lanes – will combine to help to make Oxford Road an iconic area for the UK.
“The plans have been shaped by feedback with the needs of all road users in mind and will, ultimately, create a better environment and future for everyone who works in, lives in or visits our city.”
When up and running, the bus priority package will connect more people more easily on key routes across Greater Manchester through the city to the key employment, education, health, leisure and retail destinations on Oxford Road.
Councillor Andrew Fender pictured with one of Greater Manchester’s first countdown timers at the Princess Street and Charles Street junction in Manchester city centre.
