Liverpool Approves Controversial £1.8M Upgrade for Queens Drive

Plans to upgrade what has been termed “the most contentious piece of road in Liverpool” will proceed following a decision by the Liverpool City Council. On December 16, 2023, the council approved a contract worth £1.8 million for enhancements along Queens Drive, despite vocal concerns regarding the adequacy of public consultation.

The project aims to improve journey times and reliability, reduce congestion, enhance safety by minimizing accidents, and facilitate better access to essential services. The focus of the improvements will be on the southern section of Queens Drive, particularly around the areas of Sefton Park, Mossley Hill, and Penny Lane.

Opposition politicians have voiced strong objections to the project, arguing that the local authority has not adequately consulted with the community regarding the scheme’s implications. A contentious meeting was held at Liverpool Town Hall, where members of the Liberal Democrats expressed their grievances. Cllr Richard Kemp CBE, who led the call-in request alongside colleagues Cllr Robert McAllister-Bell, Cllr Andrew Makinson, and Cllr Rebecca Turner, criticized the council’s approach.

In defense of the project, Liverpool Council stated that improvements to the carriageway, footpaths, and drainage systems are essential. This initiative follows significant criticism after the tragic deaths of Elaine and Philip Marco, who lost their lives in August 2023 due to flooding in the area. A senior coroner’s report highlighted a failure by city officials to recognize the flooding risk, which has heightened scrutiny surrounding the upgrades.

Cllr Kemp expressed regret over the lack of consultation, stating, “I regret the quality of the report submitted to you. This raises more questions than answers.” He emphasized the project’s sensitivity, given its proximity to where the tragic incident occurred. He argued that common sense should have dictated a more thorough consultation process, especially as the area’s risks were well-known.

The council countered that neglecting the improvement works would lead to further deterioration of the road infrastructure, potentially resulting in more expensive and disruptive interventions in the future. Additionally, officials asserted that failing to proceed would hinder the council’s goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and promoting a sustainable transport network.

Cllr Dan Barrington, the cabinet member for transport and connectivity, underscored the necessity of maintaining roads to a “safe and sustainable” standard. He referenced the coroner’s findings, which indicated that while work undertaken by United Utilities would mitigate flooding risks, additional enhancements were essential to ensure the infrastructure’s resilience.

Barrington noted that the aging condition of the carriageway, characterized by cracks and vulnerabilities to water penetration, necessitated these upgrades. He assured that while the enhancements would not entirely eliminate flooding risks, they would minimize the duration of any road closures resulting from such incidents.

Ultimately, the committee voted to support the original cabinet decision, allowing the £1.8 million upgrade to move forward as planned. The next steps will involve detailed planning and execution of the proposed improvements, as local officials aim to alleviate concerns while enhancing safety and accessibility on one of Liverpool’s busiest roadways.