Fresh attempt to ease traffic jams at rail station
CHANGES are being made to try to ease traffic congestion at Sheffield railway station.
After widespread complaints about the jams faced by motorists who want to drop off and pick up train passengers, a new system of short stay parking is being introduced.
Drivers will find they are unable to park on the station forecourt but will be directed to free short stay spaces in the Q Park multi-storey.
The move is designed to dramatically reduce the number of cars waiting in front of the station and to free up other traffic. Only black taxi cabs and disabled motorists will be able to park on the forecourt.
The Q Park car park will provide all short stay parking in the area – available for 30 minutes, which is double the time under the previous arrangements.
The covered drop off area is also being widened and extended so that two cars can pass each other. At the moment the area can be blocked as motorists wait for the car in front to drop off.
With traffic snarling up at peak times, the council, Q Park and station operators East Midlands Trains have working on possible solutions.
John Bann, the council's head of transport and highways, said: "Thankfully we've managed to agree a solution that should improve the situation for everyone."
But he said it was a short term fix. "We continue to work together to find longer term improvements, including more taxi ranking space."
Mr Bann added: "The improvement works will take place next week and we apologise for any disruption but intend that the changes will improve the current situation. Of course we will continue to monitor the situation to make sure that the area works for everyone."
A Traffic Regulation Order is being used to allow the council to enforce restrictions on the station forecourt. Previously this had been managed by East Midlands Trains.
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Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
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