Safety measures at busy junction to be made permanent

Road safety improvements at a previously high-risk junction will be now made permanent after a successful trial.

At their meeting this week, members of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee considered a report that set out feedback from the public about the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) that had been introduced at the junction of Mount Road and Village Road in Bebington, as well as details about how it  has reduced the number of reported collisions.

The ETRO was introduced in January 2025 to prevent motor vehicles from turning onto Village Road from Mount Road, while maintaining access for cyclists and was a response to a history of recorded road traffic collisions at the junction. 

Members of the committee heard that since the introduction of the restrictions on vehicles turning onto Village Road, no further injury collisions have been recorded, marking a clear improvement in safety.

The permanent scheme would continue to reduce risk by limiting conflicting vehicle movements, supporting safer conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, and lowering traffic levels on Village Road. It also contributes to a calmer and more liveable environment for residents, the report said.

During the public consultation period on the ETRO, 43 objections were received. These highlighted concerns including increased congestion and displacement of traffic, potential impacts on road safety on surrounding streets - and longer journey times for some residents. 

However, the scheme has also received support from residents, including a petition with 36 signatures, as well as backing from local councillors. Supporters cited reduced traffic levels, improved safety for pedestrians and school communities, lower speeds, and a decline in larger vehicles using the route.

The committee agreed with the view that the scheme’s safety benefits outweigh the identified disadvantages. An option to remove the scheme would reintroduce known risks at the junction, but making the ETRO permanent would secure long-term road safety improvements and support a safer, more sustainable local transport network.

Members agreed by assent to accept the report’s recommendation to authorise the Interim Director of Operations to proceed with making the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) permanent at the junction of Mount Road/Village Road in Bebington.