Pop-up cycle lanes and slashed speed limits among plans for transport measures to tackle coronavirus in Durham

The Government’s new ‘recovery strategy’ outlines a raft of measures to help minimise the spread of Covid-19.

This includes statutory guidance encouraging councils to introduce widened pavements, temporary cycle lanes and reducing traffic on certain roads.

As the easing of lockdown restrictions sees more people return to public spaces, Durham County Council have outlined how the county could adapt.

In practice, temporary emergency actions such as fencing or bollards could be used to:

:: Create pop-up cycle lanes.

:: Reduce through traffic on certain roads.

:: Reallocate road space to create wider pavements.

:: Introduce 20 mph streets.

:: Add extra cycle parking.

:: Remove street ‘furniture’ like pedestrian guard rails that are no longer required.

Residents are being urged to share their views on the proposals as part of Durham County Council’s ‘Covid-19 Street Spaces’ consultation.

Public feedback will be used to identify the type of measures needed and shape how government funding is used.

Durham County Council say the temporary measures would be implemented for as long as government guidance recommends.

A statement on the council’s website reads: “As people start returning to everyday activities, we need to have plans in place to enable people to carry on with their lives safely when making journeys such as going to work, going to school, doing their shopping or taking exercise.

“Across the county, the numbers of people walking, running and cycling for exercise during the virus have gone up and car driving has gone down. We want to encourage this and promote safety.

“We want to encourage people to travel on foot and by bike during the coronavirus restrictions and into recovery. The government has made funding available as part of its emergency response to Covid-19.

“To enable us to apply for these funding opportunities, we need to know where measures are required.”

Specific locations could include areas outside shops, transport hubs or routes to medical centres.

The consultation website allows users to highlight specific areas or streets on a map of County Durham.

If council bosses secure further funding to support permanent changes to highways, the results will be used again to help shape future highways projects.

Comments and suggestions can be made up until 5pm on Friday, July 31 by visiting streetspacecountydurham.commonplace.is/

Any general questions regarding this project can also be made via [email protected] or by calling 03000 26 0000.

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