MOTORISTS using the A565 Formby Bypass are expressing growing anger over a baffling 30mph speed restriction that appears to make little sense to southbound drivers, prompting questions about safety, clarity, and the long term impact of a controversial housing project near RAF Woodvale.
The disruption began on:- 19 May 2025, when roadworks kicked off as part of construction linked to the new development. Since then, drivers heading towards both Southport and Liverpool have reported inconsistent speed restrictions and growing gridlock.
But what’s has really sparked outrage? While works are only being carried out on the northbound carriageway, both directions are locked into a 30mph limit with no clear explanation on signage for those travelling South. Northbound traffic, meanwhile, still sees the usual 50mph signs immediately after the work zone.
A local commuter commented:- “This is ridiculous,” adding:- "We're all crawling along and no one knows why. If you can go faster on the Northbound side after the entrance to RAF Woodvale, why is it all the way 30 on the Southbound side?"
Residents and motorists are also now asking:- "Will this disruption become permanent?" "Will the new housing compromise safety long term for:- drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in the long run?"
In response, Sefton Council issued a statement defending the restriction as a temporary, safety-focused measure:- "The temporary 30mph speed limit on Formby Bypass and speed monitoring actions are being put in place for safety. This action is being taken whilst the works are only on the Northbound carriageway. The footway and cycle lane on the Northbound side are temporarily closed, and pedestrians and cyclists need to cross both carriageways to use the Southbound footway. The 30mph limit applies to the North and Southbound carriageways to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe while crossing. The temporary 30mph speed limit is due to be lifted when work completes on:- 4 August 2025."
Still, some argue the logic doesn't hold up. Many are asking:- "Why not install temporary crossing lights?" With others asking:- "Why not install clearer signage at a marked crossing point instead of slowing thousands of vehicles unnecessarily?"
With frustration mounting and confidence in planning decisions already shaken by objections to the development itself, this stretch of road is now becoming a battleground between practicality and safety.
The disruption began on:- 19 May 2025, when roadworks kicked off as part of construction linked to the new development. Since then, drivers heading towards both Southport and Liverpool have reported inconsistent speed restrictions and growing gridlock.
But what’s has really sparked outrage? While works are only being carried out on the northbound carriageway, both directions are locked into a 30mph limit with no clear explanation on signage for those travelling South. Northbound traffic, meanwhile, still sees the usual 50mph signs immediately after the work zone.
A local commuter commented:- “This is ridiculous,” adding:- "We're all crawling along and no one knows why. If you can go faster on the Northbound side after the entrance to RAF Woodvale, why is it all the way 30 on the Southbound side?"
Residents and motorists are also now asking:- "Will this disruption become permanent?" "Will the new housing compromise safety long term for:- drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in the long run?"
In response, Sefton Council issued a statement defending the restriction as a temporary, safety-focused measure:- "The temporary 30mph speed limit on Formby Bypass and speed monitoring actions are being put in place for safety. This action is being taken whilst the works are only on the Northbound carriageway. The footway and cycle lane on the Northbound side are temporarily closed, and pedestrians and cyclists need to cross both carriageways to use the Southbound footway. The 30mph limit applies to the North and Southbound carriageways to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe while crossing. The temporary 30mph speed limit is due to be lifted when work completes on:- 4 August 2025."
Still, some argue the logic doesn't hold up. Many are asking:- "Why not install temporary crossing lights?" With others asking:- "Why not install clearer signage at a marked crossing point instead of slowing thousands of vehicles unnecessarily?"
With frustration mounting and confidence in planning decisions already shaken by objections to the development itself, this stretch of road is now becoming a battleground between practicality and safety.