A controversial bus gate, which went live on Monday, has drawn mixed reactions from Sheffield motorists.
As of Monday 20 March, cars and other unauthorised vehicles are now prohibited from travelling north through Arundel Gate, which is claimed to be one of the worst locations in Sheffield for air pollution.
Southbound travel is still permitted, but traffic is restricted from using the north route between the Furnival Square roundabout and Park Square roundabout.
Only buses, taxis, and other authorised vehicles are still allowed to use the road.
The aim is to reduce the levels of pollution in the area through reduction of vehicles on the route, alongside the Clean Air Zone implemented earlier in the year, as part of the Clean Air Plan by Sheffield City Council.
Some have praised the implementation online, John Rigby said: “It will help make the city centre more accessible for active travel. Most of the traffic is just through traffic so [the] impact on retail should be positive.”
However, residents have raised their concerns on social media regarding accessibility issues from the southern areas of Sheffield, such as Gleadless and Ecclessall Road, as well as congestion in the locations surrounding the gate.
David Bower said on Twitter: “Access to the library, Surrey Street, shops, theatres, M&S and Medical Centre is made much harder and the long polluting diversion via Park Square is off putting to many.”
Sheffield City Council replied: “Full access is maintained for all vehicles travelling from Park Square roundabout to Furnival Square roundabout.
“The right turn into Norfolk Street, and access to Surrey Street, will remain possible when travelling southbound along Arundel Gate.”
The bus gate is being run as an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) by Sheffield City Council, where a period of statutory consultation is taking place for the first six months and the experimental order will run for up to 18 months.
During this period, the public can provide feedback on the operation of the bus gate, and are able to contribute towards the decision on whether the bus gate is to be retained permanently.
