Obstructive car parking around two of the busiest routes into Manchester from Trafford past Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium has forced town hall bosses to consider introducing red route schemes.

Red route roads are marked with double red lines and are where vehicles can only stop, park or load or unload on specially marked bays.

Trafford Council says the plans will improve journey times, reduce congestion and improve air quality – by managing start/stopping vehicle movements – on parts of the A56 and A5801 in Stretford and Trafford Park.

The red routes would also provide a safer environment for people, walking, cycling, wheeling and driving, by discouraging obstructive and dangerous parking, council chiefs say.

The authority, working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), has launched a consultation asking the public to share their views on the proposed scheme.

Concerns have been raised by the council, residents, Greater Manchester Police and TfGM regarding congestion and road safety issues, particularly over events hosted in the Old Trafford area, including Old Trafford Football Stadium and Victoria Warehouse.

Trafford Council’s executive member for highways, environmental services and traded services, Cllr Steve Adshead, said: “The council is concerned about reports of bad parking and congestion and is looking to do something about these type of issues – and we want to know what you think.  

“We are proposing to introduce the red route scheme at key locations on the highways to prevent problems with stopping and parking.

"The scheme would also be good for the environment, as it would lead to a smoother flow of traffic resulting in less emissions.” 

Peter Boulton, TfGM’s highways network director, said: “Whether its drivers, cyclists or pedestrians, everyone is entitled to be able to use our roads safely, and providing an efficient highway network is key to supporting this.

“Red routes on certain key main roads can help us to cut down on congestion and keep Greater Manchester moving, while also helping to improve air quality and support the ongoing delivery of our integrated public transport system, the Bee Network.”

Any comments/objections to the proposals, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent, in writing, to the postal address below or by e-mail to traffordtraffic@amey.co.uk by April 8.

The postal address is: One Trafford, Traffic Section, Tatton House, Caldey Road, Manchester, M23 9LF.