The Assistant Director City Transport has decided to make the Experimental Traffic Order on Northumberland Road permanent, despite objections raised by stakeholders.

URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5075

Decision Maker: Assistant Director City Transport

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: As part of a planning permission granted to Sheffield University it was agreed that an Experimental Traffic Order (ETO) should be introduced on Northumberland Road between Marlborough Road (Goodwin Sports Centre) and Whitham Road. The purpose of the ETO is to trial a revised traffic arrangement incorporating improved infrastructure for cyclists, one-way operation for motor vehicles including contraflow cycle lane (with segregation), pedestrian safety improvements, and the removal of on-street parking. The scheme was implemented in April of 2025. The scheme has generated a total of 107 objections and 27 expressions of support. A considerable proportion of objections were submitted at the initial stages of implementation or prior to the scheme becoming fully operational.  Engagement has reduced significantly over time, with very few representations received during the latter stages of the experimental period. The principal concerns raised relate to perceived traffic displacement onto surrounding streets, the removal of on-street parking, and changes to local traffic operation. These objections have been considered alongside monitoring data collected throughout the experimental period, which indicates the measures are operating as intended with no evidence of significant adverse operational impacts. Approval has now been sought to make the ETO permanent as currently implemented.  

Content: As part of a planning permission granted to Sheffield University it was agreed that an Experimental Traffic Order (ETO) should be introduced on Northumberland Road between Marlborough Road (Goodwin Sports Centre) and Whitham Road. The purpose of the ETO is to trial a revised traffic arrangement incorporating improved infrastructure for cyclists, one-way operation for motor vehicles including contraflow cycle lane (with segregation), pedestrian safety improvements, and the removal of on-street parking. The scheme was implemented in April of 2025. The scheme has generated a total of 107 objections and 27 expressions of support. A considerable proportion of objections were submitted at the initial stages of implementation or prior to the scheme becoming fully operational.  Engagement has reduced significantly over time, with very few representations received during the latter stages of the experimental period. The principal concerns raised relate to perceived traffic displacement onto surrounding streets, the removal of on-street parking, and changes to local traffic operation. These objections have been considered alongside monitoring data collected throughout the experimental period, which indicates the measures are operating as intended with no evidence of significant adverse operational impacts. Approval has now been sought to make the ETO permanent as currently implemented.   Consider the objections to the proposed Experimental Traffic Order together with responses provided by officers of City Transport. Make permanent the ETO, as currently implemented, in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 Inform all objectors of this decision.     The Northumberland Road ETO has been introduced to trial changes to how traffic uses the road, in particular cyclists and pedestrians. The temporary measures have created an environment where cyclists can feel comfortable to use the route and pedestrians can also feel comfortable crossing the road. According to traffic flow data collected during the experimental period there has been some minor reallocation of motorised traffic on roads adjacent to Northumberland Road but not at a level to cause concern.   The scheme has been subject to statutory consultation and monitoring throughout the experimental period. In total, 107 objections and 27 expressions of support have been received. A considerable proportion of objections were submitted at the initial stages of implementation or prior to the scheme becoming fully operational. Correspondence in the latter stages of the experimental period has been limited, with very few representations received in the last 10 months.   Having regard to the monitoring evidence, the objectives of the scheme, and the statutory duties of the Council, the measures are considered to be operating satisfactorily and delivering the intended outcomes in relation to active travel provision and traffic management within the corridor. On balance, it is considered that the benefits of the scheme outweigh the unwithdrawn objections received.   The Order is therefore required to be made permanent to retain the measures currently in operation and provide long-term certainty for users of the route.   1)    A ‘do nothing’ option was considered, whereby the existing two-way operation and on-street parking arrangements on Northumberland Road would have been retained. However, this would not safely address the identified issues relating to pedestrian safety, cycle provision, and traffic conflict within a constrained corridor with prominent levels of pedestrian activity.   2)    An option to introduce limited or partial measures, such as retaining two-way traffic operation while introducing advisory cycle provision or reduced parking restrictions, was also considered. This approach was discounted as it would not provide sufficient space to safely accommodate cycling infrastructure or meaningfully reduce conflict between road users.   3)    Consideration was also given to implementing the scheme without physical segregation for the contraflow cycle lane. This option was not progressed, as it would offer a lower level of protection for cyclists and would be less likely to achieve the intended safety and mode shift objectives.  

Date of Decision: August 4, 2026