TfGM urges motorists to get winter ready and consider public transport

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is urging drivers to consider public transport and ensure they are ready for winter driving: dark nights and poor weather can make driving at this time of year more of a challenge.

The arrival of winter weather and the clocks going back on Sunday usually sees more people choosing to travel by car or taxi, and more delays due to collisions, breakdowns, reduced visibility, surface water, frost and icy conditions. There are also more events taking place adding extra pressure to the highways network.   

Changes in driving habits at this time of year can see journey times on the roads increase by as much as 10% as people travel to and from work, go shopping or enjoy winter days and nights out with friends and family – with the biggest impact felt in November and December. 

To help manage these impacts drivers are being urged to take care while travelling, allow extra time for journeys if they are travelling by car, look out for other road users and consider using public transport where possible.  

Peter Boulton, Head of Highways at Transport for Greater Manchester, said:

“The autumn into winter period is typically a challenging time on the highways network?due to changing weather, changing clocks meaning shorter daylight hours and changing travel habits – all combined with an increase in activity as we head into Christmas. 

“I would urge drivers to leave extra time for journeys, drive carefully and check their vehicles are fit to tackle the demands of colder, wetter and darker conditions, both for their own safety and convenience and that of other road users, including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.  

“If possible consider leaving the car at home or at a park and ride and using an alternative form of transport such as bus, tram and train – or even cycling, which could be a better, faster and safer option for your journey.” 

In addition, to help reduce the impact of winter pressure on the roads TfGM, local authorities and Greater Manchester Police are working together and focusing on congestion hotspots around a range of issues including keeping yellow box junctions clear, reviewing traffic light timings, traffic delays around event venues and addressing specific issues around cars exiting car parks such as the Printworks and Arndale Centre at busy times.   

TfGM also operates a 24/7 Control Centre which monitors the network around the clock alongside an Urban Traffic Control team which can make real-time adjustments to signals to improve traffic flows and reduce congestion. 

In September, Greater Manchester began to take buses back under local control with the launch of the Bee Network. This has seen the introduction of earlier and later, more frequent and better integrated bus services connecting passengers with first and last tram and train services. 

Lower fares are an important part of the Bee Network, and a range of affordable, flexible tickets are available to use on any bus, or any bus and tram. Joint tram and bus travel is now 20% cheaper with a new AnyBus + tram ticket and bus tickets remain capped at £2 for a single trip, £5 for a day of unlimited travel or £21 for a week for adults.   

A new Bee Network app and website have also been launched to help keep passengers up to date with the latest travel information and give them with an easy way to provide feedback on their journeys.