News, Manchester
Business leaders in Manchester city centre have said months of roadworks to install a one-way street and reduce congestion are causing a drop in customers due to confusion about how to get around.
The project, which started around Deansgate last August, is part of the city council’s push to reduce pollution by introducing segregated cycleways and improved controlled pedestrian crossings.
Estate agent Julie Twist said the work was leaving people “angry” and perplexed, with fewer people visiting her offices as they are no longer able to park nearby.
A statement from Manchester City Council said: “We sympathise with those who have been impacted in the short-term but would invite people to think about the benefits that are to come.”
The plans were first discussed in 2023 and are not set to be completed until April.
Ms Twist said: “It’s got people angry and it’s certainly been noisy.
“People just don’t know where to go in Manchester anymore with the way the roads are, you have to be so careful to watch out for the pedestrians and cyclists, and to work out which way you can go down a road.
“We’re definitely not getting as many people into the office because they’re not parking up, running in and dealing with our services.”
Xavier Leguitte, from the nearby Revolucion De Cuba restaurant, said the traffic was “off-putting to tourists”.
“We see Peter Street and Quay Street gridlocked from 4.30pm to the end of rush hour,” he said.
“Taxis and tourists are trying to visit the city and it’s off-putting for them when they can’t get in and out with ease.”
The council said the project would provide “cleaner air, fewer cars in the city centre, safer streets to walk and cycle on and more space for people to live and work and experience Manchester”.
