The bold yellow and orange patterns have been put down on a stretch of a Birkenhead road
18:18, 31 Oct 2025Updated 18:21, 31 Oct 2025
The stretch of Grange Road West in Birkenhead with the markings(Image: Wirral Council)
Work on a road including colourful markings which have caused a stir is close to being completed. The bold yellow and orange patterns have been put down on a stretch of Grange Road West in Birkenhead as part of work which started in September.
The new road design has been widely discussed over social media and on the street itself, with some people heavily criticising it. The plans went out for public feedback several times as part of the wider regeneration works in Birkenhead and were approved by councillors in 2023.
The plan was to transform the street from narrow, cluttered footways and car-dominated environment to a more pleasant place to shop and visit.
When the road work had not long been started the ECHO found many were unhappy with the way things had gone up to that point. Several businesses on the road even said they had been in favour of full pedestrianisation but the council opted to go for a one-way system instead.
Wirral Council says the colourful markings is an “integral part” of the change, and is “designed to slow traffic down on this stretch of Grange Road West as well as reduce the dominance of cars”.
The local authority also argues that the scheme “creates wider pedestrianised areas outside businesses on the road and is enhanced by the introduction of new street furniture, such as benches and planters”.
The curved, chicane-style layout of the markings “provide the visual representation of the new boundary between the improved pedestrianised areas and the one-way single lane road – supported by the position of the street furniture”, the council says.
As part of the trial scheme, planting will take place in the New Year and the road will shortly open again to traffic with a new one-way system in place. This means between the Charing Cross junction up to the junction with Clayton Street, only vehicles travelling west can access the road.
A council spokesperson added: “The design represents an eye-catching but straightforward way of changing the dynamics of the street without the need for major civil works, such as altering kerb lines and moving drainage systems.
“The aim of this scheme is to provide better access and connection to the shops, cafes and other services, make the area more attractive in order drive increased footfall to the businesses and improve road safety – while still maintaining access for cars.
“The changes are part of a trial which means residents and businesses will be able to provide feedback on its effectiveness during the first six months of operation.
“The proposals were subject to a public consultation with the findings reported to the environment, climate emergency and transport committee in July 2023.”
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