We worked closely with residents of The Groves through The Groves Regeneration Project, looking at ways to make this an even better place to live.
Local people have said they want:
- better air quality
- less and slower traffic
- the chance to build on the existing sense of community
Streets which are less congested and less car-dominated can lead to:
- improved road safety
- better air quality
- more walking and cycling
- improved health and wellbeing
Reduced congestion may also lead to more social interaction, more community activities and less isolation, as people feel safer and more confident being out and about in the area.
These aims support our priorities of promoting sustainable travel choices and reducing traffic in residential areas.
See further information about The Groves low traffic neighbourhood:
The Groves Decision
In October 2019 we considered and agreed an outline plan to reduce through traffic in The Groves.
In February 2020 we consulted residents and local businesses about trialling a scheme to introduce a number of road closure points and changes to traffic routes.
In June 2020 we approved detailed plans for a scheme to prevent through traffic, while maintaining essential access to homes and businesses.
See the agenda, decisions and minutes for the Decision Session, Executive Member for Transport, Monday 22 June 2020 (item 76).
In January 2022 we approved the making of a permanent Traffic Order to follow on from the Experimental Order.
See the agenda, decisions and minutes for the Executive, Thursday 13 January 2022, 5.30pm (item 82).
In October 2022, the design proposed for the permanent closure points were approved by the Executive Member for Transport.
Road closures and traffic changes
The majority of the closures and traffic changes that were trialled from September 2020 were made permanent in an order created in February 2022. This made permanent the altered routes and closures that were in place.
The closure points are in place at:
- the junction of Lowther Street and Brownlow Street
- St John's Crescent
- Penley's Grove Street
- Neville Terrace
- Earle Street
Specified directions of travel are given, except for cycles, at junctions as follows:
- Brownlow Street left hand turn into Lowther Street
- Dudley Street left hand turn into Brownlow Street
- Lowther Street right hand turn into March Street
- Park Grove left hand turn into Brownlow Street
- Penley's Grove Street left hand turn into Monkgate
The scheme confirmed:
- removing the existing closure point at Neville Terrace to allow more direct access to Haxby Road from that side of The Groves
- Brownlow Street and March Street as one-way streets, except for cyclists
- Penley's Grove Street as two-way, to allow traffic to exit onto Monkgate from this part of The Groves
- 'no waiting at any time' restrictions on parts of Brownlow Street, March Street, Neville Terrace, Penley's Grove Street and St John's Street
- the location of one Resident Parking Bay on Park Grove
- it merged a number of residents' parking zones in The Groves into one zone
These closure points prevent vehicles passing through the area, but are open to walkers and cyclists. Cycle routes in all directions throughout The Groves continue to be available and benefit from less traffic.
Residents are also working with The Groves Association and The Groves Regeneration Project to develop new community initiatives which build on the quieter, low-traffic streets, such as a Groves History Trail.
The Groves Trial Road Safety Audit
A Stage 3 Road Safety Audit was undertaken for the low traffic neighbourhood trial in April and May 2021.
View a copy of The Groves Low Traffic Neighbourhood Trial Stage 3 Road Safety Audit.