A major upgrade of Queens Drive, described as “the most contentious piece of road in Liverpool,” will proceed following a decision by the city council. On December 16, 2023, council leaders approved a contract worth £1.8 million aimed at enhancing one of the city’s busiest transport networks. The project has generated considerable debate, with concerns raised regarding insufficient consultation with local residents and stakeholders.
The planned improvements focus on the southern section of Queens Drive, particularly around Sefton Park, Mossley Hill, and Penny Lane. According to the council, the upgrades are designed to enhance journey times, increase reliability, reduce congestion, improve safety by minimizing accidents, and facilitate better access to essential services.
Despite these intentions, the project has faced opposition. Local Liberal Democrat councillors expressed dissatisfaction with the decision-making process, leading to a heated meeting at Liverpool Town Hall. Councillors Richard Kemp CBE, Robert McAllister-Bell, Andrew Makinson, and Rebecca Turner filed a call-in request to revisit the decision. They argue that there has been a lack of adequate consultation regarding the sensitive nature of the road, especially following previous incidents that raised safety concerns.
Concerns Amid Ongoing Safety Issues
The decision to move forward with the upgrades comes in the wake of significant criticism regarding the local authority’s management of flooding risks on Queens Drive. In August 2023, the tragic deaths of Elaine and Philip Marco highlighted the dangers posed by flooding in the area. A senior coroner revealed that city officials had failed to recognize the life-threatening risks associated with the flooding.
Cllr Kemp, who initiated the call-in meeting, expressed regret over the lack of consultation and the quality of the report presented to the council. He stated, “This raises more questions than answers. The proposed redevelopment is close to where two people died two and a half years ago. While this went through the system, officers were attending the inquest.” He emphasized that the sensitivity of the area should have prompted more thorough public engagement.
In response, Liverpool City Council justified the need for the upgrades by stating that delaying the improvements would likely result in a deterioration of the road infrastructure, leading to more costly and disruptive interventions in the future. The council highlighted that not proceeding with the project would hinder its goal of achieving net zero carbon status by 2030 and promoting a sustainable transport network.
Balancing Safety and Infrastructure Needs
Cllr Dan Barrington, the cabinet member for transport and connectivity, underscored the council’s responsibility to maintain the roads to a “safe and sustainable” standard. He noted that the findings from the coroner’s inquiry last year indicated that works undertaken by United Utilities would reduce the flooding risk on Queens Drive but would not entirely eliminate it.
Barrington pointed out that the aging carriageway and existing cracks in the road infrastructure exacerbate the risk of water penetration. Although the planned improvement works will not eliminate the risk of flooding, they aim to minimize the duration of any necessary road closures.
The council ultimately agreed to support the original cabinet decision, allowing the £1.8 million upgrade to move forward. This approval marks a significant step in addressing the longstanding concerns surrounding road safety and infrastructure in one of Liverpool’s most debated areas.
