Coastal road speed limit in Southport to lower from December to keep drivers safe

The speed limit on a section of the coastal road in Southport will be reduced from 50mph to 30mph from this December, to keep drivers safe due to the deteriorating condition of the road. 

The order is due to come into force from 8am on Thursday, 2nd December. 

It will last for six months, running until Thursday 1st June 2023. 

Sefton Council has applied for the temporary Order to come into place on Marine Drive, Southport, between the RSPB Marshside car park / Marshside Road at Marshside and The Plough roundabout in Crossens, after concerns were raised by Merseyside Police about the road’s safety. 

The proposed Order will continue in force for a maximum period of 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is earlier. Access will be maintained for the Emergency Services and where possible for residents.

The action is being taken due to the deteriorating condition of the road, which “presents a danger to road users”, after concerns were raised by Merseyside Police.

Motorbike riders and drivers are asked to ride with caution along the route. The northern section, which takes drivers between Southport towards Preston, is said to be particularly poor. 

Resurfacing works are due to take place there in February 2022. 

In his report to Sefton Council, Head of Highways and Public Protection Peter Moore said: “A report has recently been received from Merseyside Police, regarding the condition of Marine Drive, Southport.

“The report highlights the undulating nature of Marine Drive, between Marshside Road and The Plough roundabout, suggesting that the current defects, caused by subsidence of the road’s foundations, present a danger to road users, especially motorbike riders.

“The report suggests that remedial works are carried out as a matter of urgency and that the current 50mph speed limit is reduced on a temporary basis until the work can be programmed in. 

“As part of an agreed rolling programme of re-surfacing works along Marine Drive work will commence on the section between Marshside Road and The Plough roundabout in February 2022.

“In order to address the concerns of Merseyside Police, it is proposed to introduce a temporary 30mph speed limit, on Marine Drive, from its junction with Marshside Road, for a distance of 350m in a north-easterly direction, which will operate for a maximum of 18 months or until the works are complete, whichever is the sooner.” 

Writing in a Road Traffic Collision Intelligence Report, Merseyside Police Traffic Management Officer Constable Mark Brislen said: “At various locations the carriageway at this location has suffered further subsidence resulting in road users being unable to pass along it safely at and or near the posted 50mph limit. Particularly prevalent when travelling north.

“Lower riding vehicles or motorcycles carrying pillions are at risk of bottoming out with the potential for a loss of control leading to damage and / or injury.

“The carriageway south of the location between Marshside Road and Hesketh Road has benefited from recent works in order to remove the undulations and level the road surface.”

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