Fender Lane Review

We asked

As part of a wider review of Active Travel Fund Tranche 1 schemes, Wirral Council sought feedback on the Fender Lane active travel route, introduced in 2020 to improve cycling connections between Moreton and Bidston. The scheme reduced the dual carriageway to a single lane in each direction to create a segregated cycle route. We asked road users to share their views on whether the current layout should remain, be removed, or be adjusted. This feedback will be considered alongside traffic and safety data and national design guidance, and presented to the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee to help shape future decisions. Fender Lane also forms part of Route 9 in the proposed Core Active Travel Network (CATN), a longer-term vision for improving key routes across Wirral. Link to Project Page

You said

1,049 people responded to the consultation. While many supported the principle of encouraging active lifestyles, views on the current layout of Fender Lane were mixed. Just over half of respondents agreed that the council should improve roads and footpaths for walking and cycling, but 63% said they would prefer the road to return to its pre-2020 layout. Key concerns included underuse of the cycle lanes, increased congestion, emergency vehicle access, and pollution. Suggested changes included reducing the active travel route to one side of the road, reinstating the dual carriageway, and improving access for emergency services.

We did

At 09/07/2025 - Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee meeting, the following decisions were agreed:

(1) Implementing operational amendments to the traffic signals at the Fender Lane/Reeds Lane junction as set out in Option Package 1, and the maintenance and compliance amendments as set out in Option 2 of Table 1 of the report, with the exception of the speed limit element of Option 2 which would be considered as part of the forthcoming borough-wide speed limit review; and

(2) Increasing the length of right turn lane from Fender Lane to Reeds Lane as set out in Option Package 3 of Table 1 of the report.