The mass backlash that could stop ‘disaster’ plans on busy Salford road in their tracks
It could bring major changes to Liverpool Road area in Salford
17:21, 06 Mar 2026
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Richard Clarke, a resident, had concerns about the scheme(Image: LDRS)
A controversial cycle lane scheme in Salford could be paused amid an intense backlash. The Peel Green active travel scheme on a stretch of Liverpool Road aims to build segregated cycle lanes on both sides of the road.
Liverpool Road is close to the M60[1] motorway at junction 11 and continues westbound towards Irlam and Cadishead. It is currently made up of three lanes, but proposals could see part of the road turned into single lanes in each direction for two-lane traffic, with new planting and greening in a central reservation and around footways.
The changes are planned on the road between Brookhouse Avenue by Port Salford[2] Greenway, along Liverpool Road, up to the junction with Salford Western Gateway.
But the plans have faced criticism from residents with nearly 3,000 signatures on a petition against the scheme.
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Concerns ranged from a potential increase in traffic congestion, potential backlogs during incidents on the motorway, and the amount of heavy goods vehicles which currently use the road to access the M60.
Salford council is set to make a decision on a legal notice next week, which would be the next step in allowing the plans to move ahead. But council officers have recommended the legal notice is not approved due to the amount of negative feedback.
A report explained: "The results of the formal traffic modelling and the nature of the objections and feedback received through the engagement and legal consultation processes would typically result in a recommendation to approve a scheme of this type, particularly given the strategic fit with the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy to promote safe routes for active modes.
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Liverpool Road in Salford, where there are plans for a new active travel scheme(Image: LDRS)
"However, given the volume of negative responses, coupled with lack of supporting responses for the scheme from the local community , the outcome of the engagement indicates that there is not local support for the Peel Green Active Travel scheme at this time."
The report stated the scheme could be 'deferred until such a time that there are alternative options to access the motorway network and the use of HGVs along Liverpool Road is mitigated.'
Residents call plans 'pointless' and 'disaster'
Residents on Liverpool Road said they were worried that changes to the road could cause major disruption and lead to more traffic congestion.
Richard Clarke, 47, said he couldn't imagine cyclists using the road, even if new cycle lanes are built.
He added: "It's pointless, it's all the disruption [it would cause], and if the road is narrower it would be even worse than it is now for traffic. It's always busy but it's worse from 2pm up until around 6.30."
Another resident, an 82-year-old who gave her name as Pat, said: "I think it's going to be a disaster, everyone is upset about it. I don't think it's a good idea, the traffic is bad enough as it is, and I think this could make it even worse."
A number of Salford councillors have campaigned against the scheme too.
It comes after a trial took place on the road in 2022 to study the impact of removing the middle lane.
While a survey found that journey time increased by 30 seconds between Barley Farm and Peel Green roundabout during the trial period, concerns were raised about lengthy delays for local residents.
Coun Lewis Nelson, from the Cadishead and Lower Irlam ward, said that people 'overwhelmingly do not want this scheme' to happen.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "During the trial, residents were queuing for an hour to get out of Irlam and Cadishead because of the restriction."
Active travel group urge council to approve plans
Countering some of the criticism, Harry Gray, from active travel group Walk Ride GM, urged Salford council to consider the long-term benefits of the plans. He said the council had 'created their own hill of hysteria' with a number of elected officials campaigning against the town hall's own plans.
Harry added: "It happens with every single scheme like this, when it goes to consultation people do not want change, and they say they don't want it. But councils need to understand that delivering these schemes is popular in the long run once we get over the hill of hysteria.
"When Greater Manchester's population goes up by a million what will people do?
It will only get worse, and that's why politicians have to make difficult decisions.
"I would urge the council to approve this scheme, it's been proven that if you stand by a scheme like this it will be popular in the future."
Article continues belowThe decision over whether to approve the legal notice for the Peel Green active travel scheme will be made by Councillor Mike McCusker, the council's lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development.