Parking changes could put kids in danger on busy road, resident says

New parking restrictions in a Salford neighbourhood could put children in danger by forcing them to cross a busy road, a resident has claimed.

Salford council is planning to bring in new double yellow lines along some junctions on Lower Broughton Road, including opposite the playing fields. This is aimed at stopping cars parking on the corners and blocking the view for vehicles trying to enter or exit residential side streets.

But resident Sam Hiley said the restrictions could force people to park on the other side of the road - away from their homes - putting children in danger as they try to cross through the traffic.

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He has set up a petition calling for a crossing and speed humps to be installed on Lower Broughton Road, which has been signed by nearly 60 people.

The 70-year-old told the Manchester Evening News that cars regularly park near the junctions, especially at Yew Street and Cliff Avenue, because it is next to the entrances to their houses.

He said: “We have to think of children crossing the road, parents carrying them or children running out, someone is going to get killed.

“I think the problem is the planners have never been here or looked at it, and they didn't test the traffic flow.”

Salford council said there should still be room for residents to park outside their properties despite the measures, and that their engineers have visited the area many times.

A spokesperson added: “We are aware of the competing parking demands on this street and as such the vast majority of Lower Broughton Road in the vicinity of the Broughton Playing Field will remain unrestricted to enable residents and users of the field to park on the street.

“Families should not have to park on the opposite side of the road as a result of the double yellow lines, just not within 10m of the junctions.”

Concerns about safety on Lower Broughton Road were also raised by members of Salford Schools Football Association. The club hosts weekly children’s matches which hundreds of people attend, including parents and match officials.

Lol Duffy, secretary of the club, said the current parking set up works well, but that cars speeding down Lower Broughton Road are a 'big issue', and are putting people trying to cross the road at risk.

Harry Hackett, treasurer of the club, added: "There should be speed bumps on the road or cameras, at one end it's a hill so it's like the cars are taking off [when speeding], they do it in both directions, it's a major issue."

The council’s plans include introducing a 20mph speed limit along Lower Broughton Road, with the measures due to be brought in by summer 2025.

Residents will have a chance to share their views during a public consultation set to be launched in the New Year.

There are two schools based just off Lower Broughton Road which means there are often children travelling through the area.

People also go to the neighbourhood to see the Manchester United training ground, The Cliff, which is based on the road and used to host first team sessions.

A Salford council spokesperson said: “As part of the scheme we have consulted on some double yellow lines to protect the junctions.

“These lines will only cover the extents of road where drivers are advised in The Highway Code not to park.

“These ‘Junction Protection’ double yellow lines will offer drivers better visibility when entering or exiting the junction, will provide drivers of all vehicles more space to manoeuvre in and out of the junction, and will enable drivers to have a clear view of pedestrian crossing the roads as well as pedestrians having a clearer view of turning traffic.

“Our engineers have visited the site on many occasions and traffic surveys and observations have been included as part of this preliminary work.”