The Petition of the people of Blackpool and Cleveleys,
Declares that the Petitioners are opposed to the permanent closure of the Lauderdale Avenue/Blandford Avenue crossing to traffic and pedestrians.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Blackpool Council to ensure that the Lauderdale Avenue/Blandford Avenue crossing remains open.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Paul Maynard, Official Report, 13 September 2011; Vol. 532, c. 1008.]
[P000959]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport:
The Blackpool tramway is currently being upgraded. The works include provision of new trams and upgrades to many of the junctions with the road network to allow faster tram services. This includes the closure of some existing crossing points for vehicles and pedestrians.
It is for the highway authorities concerned to decide on the detailed design of the scheme. In the case of the Lauderdale Avenue/Blandford Avenue crossing, this is Blackpool council. While every effort should be made to accommodate the needs of all road users, it is sometimes necessary to make changes to facilities as part of a major upgrade.
Local authorities are free to make their own decisions about the design of the streets under their care, provided they take account of the relevant legislation. It would be inappropriate for the Government to seek to intervene in the process of local democratic accountability.