Masterplan spells end for Lancaster’s one way system

There are also plans to move Junction 33 of the M6 further north

A 16 year vision for Lancaster unveiled today, Wednesday March 18, in Lancashire County Council’s Highways and Transport Masterplan sets out a city with much less traffic, no gyratory system, and a greater emphasis on sustainable travel such as park-and-ride buses and cycling.

The plan sets out the following options:

Relocating J33 of the M6 to a position between Galgate and Lancaster University.

Reshaping the way city centre traffic is managed by positioning Caton Road as the principal gateway into the city from the M6, from both north and south.

Making Lancaster central to the start of a countywide programme of support for Ultra Low Emission Vehicles.

A district-wide cycling and walking strategy that includes superhighways, quiet roads, greenways and local links to make walking and cycling safe and convenient for an increasing number of local journeys.

County Coun John Fillis, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Transport goes hand in hand with economic development and as our towns and cities expand with new housing and businesses, it’s vital that we plan ahead so that people and goods can travel easily and efficiently.

“For Lancaster this presents a great opportunity to tackle problems with congestion and air pollution and create a city centre environment which will make Lancaster a particularly attractive place to live, work and visit.”

Public consultation will take place on the Lancaster Highways and Transport Masterplan from Monday 23 March to Thursday 7 May.

Launch events will be held in Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth and full details are in the draft masterplan.

The county council will also write directly to district, town and parish councils, and MPs, and put leaflets in key public areas to encourage people to comment. Copies of the masterplan will also be available to view at libraries and download from Lancashire County Council’s website. Search for Local Transport Plan at www.lancashire.gov.uk. You can also respond to the consultation by completing an online questionnaire when the consultation begins, by email at [email protected] or in writing to Lancaster Highways and Transport Masterplan, Environment Directorate, Room C4, County Hall, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 0LD.

See tomorrow’s Lancaster Guardian for more details.