New speed reductions and parking restrictions are due to come into force on a section of Southport’s coastal road ahead of the opening of a new Lidl supermarket.
Lidl is currently carrying out the construction of its second Southport store, located to the north of the town on Crossens Way, which is set to open towards the end of this year.
No opening date has yet been given.
Sefton Council is now seeking to revoke the existing 50mph Speed Limit Order and introduce a new 40mph speed limit and waiting restriction along the full length of Crossens Way and at its junction with Marine Drive.
In a report, Sefton said: “Due to the increased vehicle movements generated by the new development, a Planning Condition was attached to the Planning Approval, which required the developer to fund the introduction of a reduction of the speed limit on a section of Marine Drive from its current 50mph limit to a new 40mph limit in both directions and to introduce waiting restrictions on Crossens Way and at its junction with Marine Drive.
“The introduction of the lower speed limit will have a number of benefits including:
“Safety Considerations: It will reduce the severity of potential collisions, particularly at the new junction.
“Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: The development will introduce increased footfall and cycle use; a lower speed limit improves safety for vulnerable road users.
“Junction Operation Efficiency: A 40mph speed limit will allow safer vehicle movements on the approach too and out of the new development.
“National Guidance Compliance: The Department for Transport’s guidance supports lower limits where roadside development increases conflict points. The proposal change in speed limit will be applied to both north and southbound traffic.
“All costs associated with the introduction of the Traffic Regulation Orders, will be funded by the developer.”
The new Lidl store in Southport will feature a 1,334m² sales area and include the discounter’s award-winning bakery and the much-loved Middle of Lidl.
There will also be customer toilets with baby-changing facilities, electric vehicle charging points, and solar panels to help power the store.
This multi-million-pound investment will not only enhance local shopping options but also bring around 40 new jobs to the area.
Stuart Jardine, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said earlier this year:
“This new Lidl represents a significant investment into a state-of-the-art discount food store that is well placed to serve residents in the north of the town.
“We’ve seen demand continue to increase in the area, and our new Marine Drive location reflects our commitment to ensuring households across the country have access to our high-quality, affordable offering. We will, of course, keep the community updated as things progress.”
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