Hyde Road is a vital route connecting Denton, Tameside, and surrounding areas to Manchester City Centre. Unlike other major routes into the city, Hyde Road has no tram, viable train or cycle alternatives, making buses the only public transport option. However, the poorly designed bus lanes have caused severe congestion for over a decade, impacting all road users: including bus passengers.

 

Buses are often stuck in the same long queues as cars, as two lanes merge into one before the bus lanes begin. Once buses finally reach the bus lane, they face further delays stopping to pick up passengers, making cars by far the faster and efficient option. This inefficient system creates knock-on effects across the transport network, undermining reliability and worsening commute times for everyone.

This issue also extends to surrounding areas, such as Ashton Old Road, which suffers from similar traffic bottlenecks before bus lanes.

While Ashton Old Road benefits from a tram line, Hyde Road does not, meaning buses are even more critical, and driving is the only realistic option for many commuters. Any changes to Hyde Road must be part of a wider review to ensure congestion is not simply displaced to nearby routes.

It has also been reported that Manchester City Council receives millions of pounds annually from fines issued on these routes. While revenue from fines may provide short term financial benefits, retaining these bus lanes primarily for this purpose is not sustainable or logical. A review must prioritise the long term needs of commuters and public transport users over short term revenue considerations.

We are calling on Manchester City Council to:

 1. Immediately review the bus lanes on Hyde Road, focusing on their impact on congestion and public transport efficiency.

 2. Include a review of surrounding routes, such as Ashton Old Road, as part of a coordinated transport strategy.

 3. Ensure the review prioritises logical, long term solutions over short term financial incentives.

 4. Engage with local residents, commuters, and businesses to find practical solutions that improve traffic flow and public transport for everyone.

Please sign this petition, even if you do not use these routes in particular, we need a system that works for all road users, reduces delays, and strengthens public transport.