Cars could be banned from roads in major UK city as council invests in cycle lanes for 'greater freedom'

The initiative aims to restrict car access and enhance walking and cycling routes between key areas such as Fargate, Heart of the City, and The Moor, to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment and improve the reliability of bus services.

The ambitious project includes widening footways, pedestrianising several streets, and introducing new cycle routes.

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Surrey Street will be pedestrianised from Pinstone Street to Norfolk Street, incorporating a cycle path connecting to Fargate, while Charles Street is also slated for pedestrianisation between Pinstone Street and Union Street.

Construction work on these changes is scheduled to commence in January 2025 after receiving support from the Mayor of South Yorkshire.

Oliver Coppard said: "This important city centre project will not just give us greater freedom and choice about how we travel and move, but will also support our plans to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country.

"It is part of the steps we are taking across our region to build new walking and cycling routes over the next three years, creating better places and more opportunities for us all to move more and move differently."

The council has addressed concerns about potential increased traffic to Meadowhall shopping centre, with a report stating that alternative plans need to be made.

In addition to the city centre changes, Sheffield is set to introduce its first Dutch-style roundabout. Originally planned to open in mid-October, the roundabout at West Bar has been delayed until mid-November.

This innovative road layout prioritises pedestrians and cyclists over motor vehicles and features zebra crossings on each arm, giving pedestrians the right of way.

A dedicated cycle track encircles the roundabout, with vehicles required to yield to cyclists at all entry points.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reports that similar roundabouts in the Netherlands have reduced serious incidents by approximately 46 per cent.

Sheffield City Council began work on the scheme in April 2023. They plan to hold public information events before the roundabout opens to familiarise residents with the new layout.

The introduction of the Dutch-style roundabout is part of Sheffield's broader initiative to prioritise sustainable transport and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

However, some residents have expressed concerns about potential confusion with the new layout, prompting the council to hold public information events.

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In May, Sheffield introduced new parking rules to fine obstructive drivers in the city if they park on dropped kerbs, in cycle lanes or are not parked close enough to the kerb.

Motorists can be fined £70 for breaking the new rules and causing an obstruction, which was previously only enforced by the police.