Upgraded traffic signals for Liverpool City Region to reduce emissions and save money

MORE than 750 traffic signals across Liverpool City Region will be upgraded in a new ₤8.3m project which will save money and reduce energy usage across the local road network. Agreed by Mayor Rotheram and the Combined Authority, the programme of works will see existing halogen traffic signals upgraded to LED technology which is more reliable and cost effective. Replacing the current signals is set to reduce energy usage and cut costs by around 75%; with estimates that the upgraded traffic signals will reduce carbon emissions by1300 tonnes and save around ₤400,000 a year. Mobility tech company Yunex Traffic; who are also installing pollution sensors across the City Region; have been appointed to undertake the project following a competitive tendering process. The low maintenance, long life, energy efficient LED signals will provide improved visibility in all weather and lighting conditions. Across the City Region, the programme will see the upgrading of over 9000 signal aspects - including and 2400 pedestrian crossing wait indicators.

Cllr Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for Liverpool City Region said:- "As we push forward with our plans for recovery, ensuring that we have the right transport infrastructure to drive prosperity for everyone in the Liverpool City Region is absolutely vital, and our road network is a key part of that. But faced with climate emergency and public health crises we also need to make sure that we are tackling the carbon emissions which are destroying our environment as well as poor air quality which impacts the health of people across our City Region. That's why technology like this, which will help to reduce carbon output; as well as making important cost savings; is going to be so important as we work towards our goal of the Liverpool City Region becoming net zero carbon by 2040."

Wilke Reints, Managing Director of Yunex Traffic in the UK, said:- "We are dedicated to making cities better places to live, work and visit, improving safety and caring for our planet. Our retrofit solution will deliver significant carbon savings across the Liverpool City Region, with ongoing energy and cost savings that support environmental, economic and social sustainability. As the incumbent traffic signal maintenance provider for LCRCA, we have strong working relationships with all the individual authorities and a detailed understanding of their transport operations and networks. Our field services teams are now looking forward to working closely with colleagues in each Council to deliver this programme."

Southport Town Center closed off for a day following burglary
Photos Patrick Trollope...

A burglary in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday, 21 March 2022, at around 9pm, lead to traffic chaos as a large section of the Town Center was closed off to the public, to allow forensic examinations to take place. We are told that the family run Rebecca's the Jewellers, on Lord Street was broken into by a group of males on motorbikes. We are told that after forcing an entry into the premises, they then stole a large quantity of jewellery from the building. A 43 year old male, from Liverpool, was arrested on suspicion of Burglary after Merseyside Police Officers stopped 1 of the offenders who was fleeing the scene towards London Street.

Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney said:- “Thanks to a member of the public who called us as soon as this incident took place our Officers were able to make an prompt arrest. The investigation is in its early stages and we will be reviewing all CCTV locally and speaking to business owners and anyone with information. If you were in the area and saw or heard anything, please let us know. Whilst we are establishing exactly what was stolen, I would ask if any individuals or businesses have been or are offered jewellery in Merseyside or surrounding areas in the coming days and have any suspicions as to their origin, please get in contact. This would be a distressing and inconvenient experience for any business and we will act on all information to find those responsible and bring them to justice."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information can contact us by DM via our social media desk on Twitter or Facebook with reference to:- '22000197543.' You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously, on:- 0800555111 or via their online form at:- Crimestoppers-UK.Org.