A NEW scheme is set to be introduced to ease traffic congestion in and around Ramsbottom town centre.

A ‘no loading at any time’ restriction will be brought in on Ramsbottom Lane following complaints about vehicles parking alongside the road.

The measure, which will also apply to blue badge holders, is expected to come into force in about six months’ time.

There are currently no parking restrictions on the road, which narrows at one end, creating problems when large vehicles or buses attempt to pass through.

And councillors say the problem is made worse by construction workers from a nearby development site and commuters using the X41 bus parking there.

Ramsbottom councillor Ian Schofield added: “We have also received several complaints from elderly and disabled residents who live in Ashton Lodge that the bus they travel on from Bury do not turn right at the top of Bridge Street due to the congestion caused by this level of parking on Ramsbottom Lane.

“These residents are having to walk the best part of a mile to Ashton Lodge.”

A proposal to alleviate the problem was put before Bury Council’s Traffic Management Unit, who approved the introduction of the parking restrictions.

A council spokesman said: “The council was aware of a number of representations concerning ease of traffic movement along Ramsbottom Lane.

“Consequently, the council’s traffic engineers designed a scheme to introduce a ‘no loading at any time’ restriction (double yellow lines with double tabs). This will also prevent blue badge holders from parking there, as it only takes one vehicle to cause issues when buses and HGVs need to pass.

“Given that a traffic regulation order is required, as well as advertising, it is expected that it will take around six months before the restrictions are put in place, subject to any objections.”