Road changes proposed in Millfield due to ‘congestion and safety’

The city council is consulting on changes to the junction at Cromwell Road and Russell Street due to “congestion and safety”.

The potential alterations are:

. Russell Street (west) becomes one way from Gladstone Street to Cromwell Road

. The exit from Russell Street onto Cromwell Road becomes two lanes - lane one turning left onto Cromwell Road (north) or straight ahead into Russell Street, lane two turning right onto Cromwell Road (south)

. No entry/no left turn onto Russell Street (west) from its junction with Cromwell Road

. Traffic entering Russell Street controlled by a Give Way junction with priority for traffic on Cromwell Road.

The consultation with local residents - who have been written to - is taking place after concerns were raised by the area’s three Labour councillors - Mohammed Jamil, Amjad Iqbal and Mahboob Hussain.

Cllr Jamil said: “This junction was previously controlled by traffic lights but the administration took away the traffic lights as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

“The replacement junction has proved to be a nightmare for residents, pedestrians and car users. People do not understand who has the right of way at the junctions and this has led to many near misses in terms of accidents.

“Furthermore, traffic gets blocked all the way into Bright Street and Gladstone Street on the other side.

“Surely there has to be a better solution than the nightmare we have at the moment. I would encourage all residents and users of the road to respond to the consultation we can end this nightmare situation.”