Lib Dem Council trying to sort out Labours train station blunder

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 3rd Oct 2008

Liberal Democrat Sheffield City Council is trying to sort out access issues at the train station caused by the previous Labour administration's blunder. Roads will be widened and a new pedestrian crossing will be constructed. Councillor Ian Auckland, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development and Transport said: "I know that local people and visitors have been particularly frustrated by poor access at the new Sheffield Station. The situation at the moment is unacceptable and has been for some time now. Clearly mistakes have been made, but we must try and make the best out of a bad situation. We now have the funding to do something to address the problems.

"A lot of the build-up of traffic at Sheffield Station during peak times is due to waiting taxis. By giving them their own lane, we can ensure that there is more capacity for taxis to wait for customers.

"I am also pleased that we are able to provide the covered walkway, as it will protect passengers between the car park and the Station, especially if it's raining. It will, hopefully, persuade more people to use the car park, instead of trying to get to the limited parking near the entrance.

"I understand that some drivers will be affected during the construction period and I apologise for any inconvenience that the works may cause."

The road at Cross Turner Street will be widened to form a new taxi lane. This taxi lane will run from Turner Street to the electricity sub-station, giving more capacity for taxis at the station.

A new pedestrian crossing will also be constructed in front of the multi-storey car park with a new covered walkway for pedestrians, linking the car park and the station entrance.