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Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about the Ecclesall Road Smart Route, you can chat to the Smart Bot below, or view some frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page.

How will you make sure more traffic and congestion doesn’t build up elsewhere?

We will ensure traffic flows on other roads are not made worse by undertaking extensive traffic modeling of any proposed improvements. This will allow us to make sure our improvements do not improve traffic flows solely along Ecclesall Road and cause problems elsewhere. For example, traffic approaching the Moore Street roundabout from Ecclesall Road must be carefully managed to ensure the Inner Relief Road is kept flowing as smoothly as possible.

How will you make sure all road users are considered?

We are carrying out extensive public consultation to ensure we incorporate the views of all members of the public, whether you travel on foot, by bike, by bus or by car. We aim to provide improvements for everyone who uses the route or lives in the local area. You can have your say on this website by going to the Have your say page.

There isn’t much available road space on Ecclesall Road, how will you make any noticeable improvements?

We will be using the most up-to-date traffic modeling techniques to ‘road test’ any potential improvements, and investigate a range of possibilities to maximise the use of the available space. We cannot simply remove the bus lanes for example, as these are the most effective way of transporting large numbers of people along the route. In addition, the level of available funding is fundamental to the extent of improvements that can be made. The improvements must be delivered within budget by 2011 to meet both the aims of the project and the South Yorkshire Congestion Delivery Plan.

Will you be able to provide any more parking spaces in the area?

We are working closely with the team that manages the Sharrow Vale Permit Parking Zone, to make sure that we provide complementary solutions throughout the development of the Ecclesall Road Smart Route. It is very important to maintain parking availability for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Although removing some parking spaces along Ecclesall Road would provide extra road space to improve traffic flow, we understand the importance of these facilities, so are looking into alternative options to maintain or improve parking in the area.

Why don’t you introduce Park and Ride?

Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive are always looking to provide better transport options for people travelling through the area. Currently, there are no suitable sites along Ecclesall Road for a Park and Ride scheme; there are no sites large enough to accommodate the level of usage required, and the costs involved would be disproportionate the benefits. However, we will continue to look into the potential for such a development in the future.

A lot of traffic seems to be because of the ‘school run’, what is being done about this?

Although we can’t prevent all the traffic that builds up due to school pupils travelling to and from school, we can offer alternatives to using the private car, and the council and SYPTE both have school travel planning departments to develop the most effective ways of transporting large numbers of pupils to and from school safely and efficiently. This reduces the need for the private car, which can reduce congestion along an already busy route.

School Travel Plans are produced by pupils, parents, schools, communities and the council, and all schools must have a plan by 2010. These aim to help reduce the number of cars on the school run and encourage environmentally sustainable travel, including walking, cycling and using public transport. Travel Plans also include realistic and achievable aims to improve health, safety and education, and reduce congestion and pollution. For more information about School Travel Plans, please click here.

I want to see travel improvements but I don’t want Ecclesall Road to lose its attractive appearance. How will you make sure this is maintained?

We will be working closely with local communities to ensure that the attractive appearance of the area is maintained when developing any proposed improvements. In particular, we understand the importance of retaining the trees along the route, however these may restrict the options for travel improvements.

How will you make sure there isn’t too much disruption while the work is being carried out?

We will co-ordinate all work programmes to make sure the improvements are phased appropriately, which will minimise disruption for all road users. We will also co-ordinate with other schemes in the area, including the street lighting improvements and the review of the Sharrow Vale Permit Parking Scheme to ensure an integrated approach to the developments along the route.

What happens next?

Following the initial consultation to find out your opinions and priorities for improvement, we will provide feedback about what you said and begin designing more detailed proposals. Extensive consultation will continue throughout the project, and the public will be kept updated and involved throughout the build programme. Following the first phase of consultation, we will be looking to undertake some road maintenance work over the summer, in conjunction with minor localised improvement works.

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