Comments sought on plans to cut congestion on busy roads

The so-called "Ecclesall Smart Route" aims to tackle congestion and improve road safety by widening junctions, putting in new pedestrian crossings and relocating bus stops.

Sheffield Council drew up the proposals after asking residents and businesses for their views, and a further consultation session is now set to be held on Wednesday at Bents Green Methodist Church.

The session will run from 2pm until 8pm and people will have a chance to look at the plans, ask questions and give feedback.

Sheffield Council cabinet member for sustainable transport and streetscene Coun Ian Auckland said: "It's important that any changes work for those people who live, work and travel through the area.

"It is vital that the views of local people are heard and that we can use this feedback to frame the proposals and come up with a solution that works for everyone in the area."

Plans for the Ecclesall Smart Route include widening Ringinglow Road near the junction with Trap Lane and also widening the junction of Bents Road and Ecclesall Road to try to remove bottlenecks.

Parts of Bents Green Road, Trap Lane and Ringinglow Road would also be widened to create parking spaces, to prevent parked cars blocking the road.

New pedestrian crossings would be put in on Ringinglow Road at both ends of the Bents Green shopping centre, as well as a new zebra crossing at Ecclesall Junior School.

The bus stop near Bents Green Methodist Church would be moved so waiting buses do not block Ringinglow Road, and a new stop would be put in closer to the junction of Ecclesall Road South and Knowle Lane.

Director of customer exper-

ience at the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive David Young said: "The area around Bents Green shopping centre

has been a bottleneck for some time and these proposals should help to relieve some of the problems.

"But we are very keen that local people give us feedback on the plans so that everyone is happy with what is being proposed."