One-way plan for 'pinch point' street in Hull

1 hour ago

Sarah Sandersonin Hull

News image — Graham Williams believes a one-way system would make Grafton Street safer

BBC Graham Williams is a 60-year-old with a shaved head and stubble around his chin. He's wearing a grey polo shirt and is standing in front of residential properties. — Graham Williams believes a one-way system would make Grafton Street safer

Residents have welcomed plans to create a one-way system on a narrow street in Hull.

They say Grafton Street, which runs between Newland Avenue and Beverley Road, is used as a cut-through and has problems with safety and parking.

The proposal would also see priority traffic systems – where road markings indicate who should give way – introduced to deal with "pinch points" on neighbouring De Grey Street, Lambert Street and Alexandra Road, if approved by Hull City Council in November.

Joiner Graham Williams, 60, regularly works in Grafton Street and said cars often mounted kerbs when passing. He added: "I think it'll make it safer. But it won't make it any better for parking."

Grafton Street is a narrow road with double yellow lines on one side and a line of parked vehicles on the other. On either side of the road are terraced residential properties. — Motorists say they can find it difficult to travel along Grafton Street

The changes, which are expected to cost about £21,000, would be made under a traffic regulation order (TFO).

According to the council's local neighbourhood team, problems at present include "pinch points", where motorists struggle to pass one another, and anti-social behaviour due to "driver behaviour".

It is hoped that the new measures will reduce collisions and near-misses, while providing more on-street parking spaces, according to an application for a grant from the council's crime prevention fund.

Freya Martin, 23, who lives in the area, said she welcomed the plan.

"The traffic at the moment, it's just awful, people speeding up and down. So, yes, I think a one-way system would be a better idea," she said.

Riva Mann has dark hair tied back and is wearing a cream jumper with wavy multi-coloured stripes on it. She is standing behind her shop counter and behind her are bottles of alcohol on the shelves. — Riva Mann says people often use Grafton Street as a cut-through

Riva Mann owns Bargain Beers on Newland Avenue. She said Grafton Street was often used by motorists cutting through from Newland Avenue to Beverley Road.

"For myself, I only use it because I park there," she added.

Afoma, a 30-year-old student, has lived in Grafton Street for a year. She said: "I think making it a one-way street would make it safer and easily accessible.

"When it gets really busy, you have to find a passing place if you're trying to make space for an oncoming car. So making it one way will make it easier."

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