All About Thornton

West Bradford Cycle Superhighway Extension, (phase 2)

FINAL CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS ORDER.

Bradford Council has now published its proposed Road Traffic Order for cycle lanes and waiting restrictions both sides of Thornton Road. The consultation reads:

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, (Waiting Loading and Parking) (Consolidation) (Amendment No.*) Order 20** , and City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (Moving Traffic) (Consolidation) (Amendment No.*) Order 20** TCF Cycle Superhighway Phase 2

Notice is hereby given that City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council proposes to make the above Orders under their powers contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the general effect of which will be to introduce the following restrictions on lengths or roads in Bradford:

1.             no waiting at any time on lengths of Thornton Rd, Olive Grove, Munby St, Rhodesway, Bell Dean Rd, Old Rd, Thorpe Rd, School Green, Chat Hill Rd, School Green Ave, Hey Ave, Hoyle Ings Rd, Churchill Rd, Spring Head Rd, Southlands Grove, and Leaventhorpe Ln;

2.             no loading at any time on lengths of Thornton Rd where bus stops will be located;

3.             no stopping on school keep clear markings at Crossley Hall Primary School on Thornton Rd;

4.             no motor vehicle parking on footway or cycle track on lengths of Thornton Rd;

5.             police only parking on a length of Thornton Rd;

6.             one way traffic flow systems on lengths School Green and Vine Terrace West from their junctions with Thornton Rd; and

7.             prohibition of driving motor vehicles at the exit of Vine Terrace East onto Thornton Rd.

Copies of the draft Orders together with maps showing the affected roads and the Statements of Reasons for the Orders may be: examined during normal office hours at the Customer Services Reception, Ground Floor, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1HY; or below or obtained from Sukhpal Shergill, Senior Engineer – Traffic & Road Safety South by email sukhpal.shergill@bradford.gov.uk quoting reference number 105890/TRO/WLP/SS.

If you wish to object to either or both proposed Orders you should send the grounds for your objection in writing either by post to the address below or by email to objections@bradford.gov.uk quoting the above reference to be received no later than 12 noon on 17 October 2025.

Dated 26 September 2025, Director of Legal and Governance Legal and Democratic Services, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1HY

Supporting document 1 Moving Traffic Order  which is: CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL, (MOVING TRAFFIC) (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT NO.) ORDER 20*
TCF CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAY PHASE 2 – SCHOOL GREEN, VINE TERRACE EAST AND VINE TERRACE WEST, BRADFORD
The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”) in exercise of its powers under Sections 1, 2 and 4 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
hereinafter referred to as “the Act of 1984” and of all other enabling powers and after consultation with the Chief Officer of Police in accordance with Part III of Schedule 9 to the
Act of 1984 and Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 “the Act of 2004” and with those persons and organisations specified in the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure)
(England and Wales) Regulations 1996 hereby makes the following Order:

  1. In this Order, the expression “enactment” means any enactment, whether public general or local, and includes any order, byelaw, rule, regulation, scheme or other
    instrument having effect by virtue of an enactment and any reference in this Order to any enactment shall be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended, applied, consolidated, re-enacted by or as having effect by virtue of any subsequent enactment.
  2. Without prejudice to the validity of anything done or to any liability incurred in respect of any act or omission before the coming into operation of this Order, the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (Moving Traffic) (Consolidation) Order 2009 hereinafter referred to as “the Consolidation Order” shall have effect as though:
    (a) There were added to the Consolidation Order:
    (i) In Schedule 1 the item numbered *** set out in Schedule 1A to this Order;
    and
    (ii) In Schedule 12 the item numbered *** set out in Schedule 12A to this
    Order.
  3. Designation of Restrictions and application of the Consolidation Order (a) The provisions of the Consolidation Order shall apply to any area designated as
    a prohibited movement, mandatory movement, prohibition of vehicles, bus priority measure, pedal cycle measure or pedestrian zone by this Order, as if in those provisions any reference to a prohibited movement, mandatory movement, prohibition of vehicles, bus priority measure, pedal cycle measure or pedestrian zone included a reference to an area designated as a prohibited movement, mandatory movement, prohibition of vehicles, bus priority measure, pedal cycle measure or pedestrian zone by this Order and as if any reference to a Schedule
    to the Consolidation Order included a reference to the Schedule to this Order.
  4. Nothing in Article 2 of this Order shall apply to:
    (a) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform;
    (b) any vehicle being used for ambulance, fire brigade or police purposes in an emergency;(c) any person who causes any vehicle to proceed in accordance with any restriction or requirement indicated by traffic signs placed pursuant to Section 66 or 67 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
  5. This Order is made on the ** day of **** 20 and shall come into force on the ** day of ** 20 and may be cited as the “City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (Moving
    Traffic) (Consolidation) (Amendment No.) Order 20*”.
    THE COMMON SEAL of CITY OF
    BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
    COUNCIL was hereunto affixed
    in the presence of:
    Authorised by
    Director of Legal & Governance

SCHEDULE 1A
One Way Traffic Flow This table is being a pig to copy. It basically says that where there is to be one way working as at School Green and Vine Terrace West, Mechanical road
cleansing vehicles when being used for that purpose are exempted. There will also be a road closure on Vine Terrace East, From its junction with Thornton Road for a distance of 3 metres in a north-westerly direction, but pedal cycles will be exempted.

This document ends with: CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL (MOVING TRAFFIC) (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT NO.) ORDER 20*
TCF CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAY PHASE 2 SCHOOL GREEN, VINE TERRACE EAST AND VINE TERRACE WEST, BRADFORD
SEALED: ** ** 20
OPERATIVE: ** ** 20
CORP/PCD/MW/419126
DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE
CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL
CITY HALL
BRADFORD
WEST YORKSHIRE
BD1 1HY

Supporting document 2 STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR PROPOSING TO MAKE THE ORDER : CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL (MOVING TRAFFIC) (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT NO.) ORDER 20* TCF CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAY PHASE 2 – SCHOOL GREEN, VINE TERRACE EAST AND VINE TERRACE WEST, BRADFORD Bradford Council proposes to make the above Traffic Regulation Order to facilitate the provision of the Phase 2 of the Cycle Superhighway scheme, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which aims to create a direct, high-quality, and largely segregated cycle route. The cycle
route will provide a safer and more sustainable mode of transport for travel between Bradford city centre and areas to the west of the city. To help deliver a safe environment for walking, cycling and traffic movements the Council is promoting this Traffic Regulation Order to provide: –

  • One way systems on School Green and Vine Terrace West from their junctions with Thornton Road.
  • Road closure at the exit of Vine Terrace East onto Thornton Road except for cyclists.
    The Council considers it expedient to make this Order:-
    i. for facilitating the passage on the road of any class of traffic (including pedestrians);
    ii. for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs and;
    iii. for avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising;
    In proposing to make the above Order, the Council has given thorough consideration to the factors set out in Section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended). This requires the local authority to secure (so far as practicable having regard to the following matters hereinafter listed) the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic (including pedestrians) and the provision of suitable and adequate parking facilities on and off the highway. In carrying out this exercise, the Council must have regard to the:
    a) Desirability of securing and maintaining reasonable access to premises.
    b) The effect on the amenities of any locality effected and (without prejudice to the generality of this paragraph) the importance of regulating and restricting the use of roads by heavy commercial vehicles, so as to preserve or improve the amenities of the areas through which the roads run.
  • c) The strategy prepared under Section 80 of the Environment Act 1995 (the national air quality strategy).
  • d) The importance of facilitating the passage of public service vehicles and of securing the safety and convenience of persons using or desiring to use such vehicles.
  • e) Any other matters appearing to the local authority to be relevant

Supporting Document 3 CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL (WAITING LOADING AND PARKING) (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT NO.) ORDER 20*
TCF CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAY PHASE 2 THORNTON ROAD

The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (the “Council”) in exercise of its powers under Sections 1, 2, 4, 32, 35, 45, 46, 47, 49 and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Action 1984 hereinafter referred to as “the Act of
1984″ and of all other enabling powers and after consultation with the Chief Officer of Police in accordance with Part III of Schedule 9 to the Act of 1984 and Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 “the Act of 2004” and with those persons and organisations specified in the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 hereby makes the following Order:
1. In this Order, the expression “enactment” means any enactment, whether public general or local, and includes any order, byelaw, rule, regulation scheme or other instrument having effect by virtue of an enactment as amended, applied,
consolidated, re-enacted by or as having effect by virtue of any subsequent enactment.

2. Without prejudice to the validity of anything done or to any liability incurred in respect of any act or omission before the coming into operation of this Order, the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (Waiting, Loading and Parking) (Consolidation) Order 2015 hereinafter referred to as “the Consolidation Order” shall have effect as though:
(a) for the tiles in Schedule 1 to the Consolidation Order numbered BN50, BO47, BO48, BO49, BO50, BP44, BP45, BP46, BP47, BP48, BQ43, BQ44 and BQ45 there were substituted the tiles similarly numbered and set out in Schedule 1 to this Order.

3. Designation of Restrictions and application of the Consolidation Order
(a) Each area on a highway comprising the length of carriageway of a street specified in Schedule 1 to this Order as a waiting restriction, loading restriction, clearway, school entrance marking, loading bay or parking place is hereby designated as a waiting restriction, loading restriction, clearway, school entrance marking, loading bay or parking place.
(b) The provisions of the Consolidation Order shall apply to any area designated as a waiting restriction, loading restriction, clearway, school entrance marking, loading bay or parking place by this Order, as if in those provisions any reference to a waiting restriction, loading restriction, clearway, school entrance marking, loading bay or parking place included a reference to an area designated as a waiting restriction, loading restriction, clearway, school entrance marking, loading bay or parking place by this Order and as if
any reference to Schedule 1 or 2 to the Consolidation Order included a reference to Schedule 1 or 2 to this Order.

  1. Installation of restrictions and placing of traffic signs -where applicable: The Council shall: (a) place and maintain traffic signs indicating the limits of each waiting restriction, loading restriction, clearway, school entrance marking, loading bay or parking place; (b)place and maintain in or in the vicinity of each waiting restriction, loading restriction, clearway, school entrance marking, loading bay or parking place referred to in Schedule 1 to this Order, traffic signs indicating that such parking place may be used during the permitted hours for the leaving only of vehicles specified in Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 14 of the Consolidation Order; and (c) carry out such other work as is reasonably required by the Consolidation Order or by this Order for the purposes of the satisfactory operation of a waiting restriction, loading restriction, clearway, school entrance marking, loading bay or parking place designated by this Order. This Order is made on the xx day of xxxxx 20xx and shall come into force on the xx day of xxxxx 20xx and may be cited as the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (Waiting, Loading and Parking) (Consolidation) (Amendment No.) Order 20* THE COMMON SEAL of CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICTCOUNCIL was hereunto affixed in the presence of: Authorised by the Director of Legal and Governance

Schedule one a series of maps showing where parking and or loading is prohibited (omitting those from Rhodesway towards Bradford.)

CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 (WAITING LOADING AND PARKING) (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT NO.) ORDER 20* TCF CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAY PHASE 2- THORNTON
ROAD SEALED: xx.xx.20xx
OPERATIVE: xx.xx.20xx REFERENCE: CORP/PCD/MW/419127
Director of Legal and Governance, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, City Hall, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1HY

Supporting Document 4 Statement of Reasons for proposing to make the order. (WAITING, LOADING AND PARKING) (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT NO.) ORDER 20

Bradford Council propose to make the above Traffic Regulation Order to facilitate the Phase 2 of the Cycle Superhighway scheme, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which aims to create a direct, high-quality, and largely segregated cycle route. The cycle route will provide a safer and more sustainable mode of transport for travel between Bradford city centre and areas to the west of the city. The design of the cycle route reallocates highway space on the majority of the route with one-way or two-way cycle tracks adjacent to narrowed footways along Thornton Road. The reduced carriageway width in some areas would
increase existing congestion and reduce traffic safety if parking was allowed on the new kerb lines. It is therefore proposed to introduce various parking restrictions on lengths of the route. In order to prevent parking on the cycle track
and footway it is proposed to introduce no motor vehicle parking or loading on footway or cycle track restrictions on the entire route. This entails the following proposed restrictions: Police Only parking on Thornton Road.
The Council considers it expedient to make this Order: No Waiting at any Time on carriageway along Thornton Road; Some areas are No Loading at any Time on carriageway on Thornton Road where the bus stops will be; No Stopping on School Keep Clear at Crossley Hall Primary School on Thornton Road; No motor vehicle parking on footway or cycle track along Thornton Road; and Police Only parking on Thornton Road.
The Council considers it expedient to make this Order:-

i. for facilitating the passage on the road of any class of traffic (including pedestrians);
ii. for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs and;
iii. for avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising;
iv. Improving facilities for local people and for businesses.
In proposing to make the above Order, the Council has given thorough consideration to the factors set out in Section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended). This requires the local authority to secure (so far as practicable having regard to the following matters hereinafter listed) the
expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic (including pedestrians) and the provision of suitable and adequate parking facilities on and off the highway. In carrying out this exercise, the Council must have regard to the:
a) Desirability of securing and maintaining reasonable access to premises.
b) The effect on the amenities of any locality effected and (without prejudice to the generality of this paragraph) the importance of regulating and restricting the use of roads by heavy commercial vehicles, so as to preserve or improve the amenities of the areas through which the roads run.
c) The strategy prepared under Section 80 of the Environment Act 1995 (the national air quality strategy).
d) The importance of facilitating the passage of public service vehicles and of securing the safety and convenience of persons using or desiring to use such vehicles.
e) Any other matters appearing to the local authority to be relevant.

There now follow a series of maps, which are all supporting documents. Each map can be viewed by pressing or clicking on the green underlined words.

All the details which I have copied can be seen here: https://bradford.moderngov.co.uk/mgConsultationDisplay.aspx?ID=883 The plans were drawn up in October 2024 and appear not to have been changed. Where parents will park to pick their children up from school has not been thought about. If you live away from the bus route, I can understand why some children don’t walk home from school.

(Updated 1 October 2025)

There is a new Consultation on the section between Four Lane Ends and Springhead Road. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority say “As a result of the previous consultations on the proposals and inflationary pressure affecting the cost of building materials, we have made a series of changes to the original scheme we proposed. Key changes include:

  • Route ends at Spring Head Road instead of continuing into Thornton village, though a future extension remains a possibility.
  • Better crossings for pedestrians and cyclists to improve safety and access.
  • More cycle parking added along the route.

Some bus stops moved to improve safety, convenience and accessibility for bus users.

There are new drawings: The yellow lines are for no parking lines, double yellow lines, and bus stopping areas.

Map A

Map B

Map C

Map D

Map E

Map F

Map G

Map H

Map I

Map J

Map K

Map L

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority proposes to build a “Cycle Superhighway” from Bradford to Thornton on Thornton Road. Funding for Phase 1 to Four Lane Ends has been approved, and some highway changes are taking place on Phase 2, though total funding appears not yet (March 2024) to have been approved. The current drawings for the Thornton to Four Lane Ends phase are shown here, below, maps H to S. Scroll down to them.

The maps use the words “could” and “would”, indicating that they haven’t yet been approved. On 2nd November 2023, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority agreed to provide £1,064,793 to develop the Phase 2 scheme to a full business case. Their decision in full is shown after Map 6.

The following plans are from the first consultation and have been superseded by the new plans. (Updated 26 June 2023)

Update 25 June 2025. The planned route, which is open for consultation until 23 July 2025, is now not planned to go beyond Springhead Road.

Update as at 25 June 2025. The unelected and unaccountable West Yorkshire Combined Authority state that the proposed plans now stop at Springhead Road.

The maps use the words “could” and “would”, indicating that they haven’t yet been approved. On 2nd November 2023, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority agreed to provide £1,064,793 to develop the Phase 2 scheme to a full business case. Their decision in full below the next paragraph.

Maps A to part of H are from Bradford to Four Lane Ends. If you want to see the rest of the “Superhighway” press/click here.

“Decision of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority:

West Bradford – Cycle Superhighway Extension

The Finance, Resources and Corporate Committee, subject to the conditions set by the Programme Appraisal Team approved that:

(i)          The TCF West Bradford Cycle Superhighway (Phase 1) proceeds through decision point 4 (full business case) and work commences on activity 5 (delivery).

(ii)        The TCF West Bradford Cycle Superhighway scheme (Phase 2) proceeds through decision point 3 (outline business case) and work commences on activity 4 (full business case).

(iii)      Approval to increase the Combined Authority’s contribution by £3,989,429, from £9,140,000 to £13,129,429. This increase is to be funded from TCF Programme contingency funds. The total scheme costs are £26,739,636.

(iv)      An approval to the Combined Authority contribution of £13,129,429 be given:

·                 £12,064,636 to deliver the Phase 1 scheme. The total Phase 1 scheme value is £12,064,636

·                 £1,064,793 to develop the Phase 2 scheme to full business case

(v)        The Combined Authority enters into an addendum to the existing funding agreement with Bradford Council for expenditure of up to £13,129,429. This will provide £12,064,363 for delivery of the Phase 1 scheme and £1,064,793 to develop the Phase 2 scheme to activity 4 (full business case). 

(vi)      Future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in this report. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in this report. Where required, any future committee level approvals are delegated to the Transport Committee.” (Source: https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1583 )

(Updated 17 March 2024)