NEW measures designed to manage traffic and protect road users during periods of severe weather are being put in place by Wirral Council.

The authority is introducing new variable messaging signs in New Brighton and West Kirby, which can be used to warn road users and re-direct traffic, as well as to promote major events such as the Open Golf Championship and the Wilson Trophy.

At West Kirby and New Brighton, the council has introduced permanent barriers to make sure temporary closures can be made quickly and effectively.

All barriers and variable messaging signs are expected to be installed by the end of February and operational by mid-March.

Cllr Bernie Mooney, cabinet member for environment and sustainability said: "Flooding is something that we are experiencing more regularly in recent years, and we must be prepared to evolve and improve our strategies to ensure that traffic continues to flow freely during periods of severe weather.

"These measures are sensible precautions which will allow us to manage traffic and to warn road users and residents of potential road closures.

"They will also be used to promote the many major sporting and cultural events that we host in Wirral.”

Variable messaging signs are being installed on Bayswater Road, Wallasey, on the approach to New Brighton at the junction of Rowson Street and Pickering Street, and on Meols Drive and Grange Road in West Kirby.

Horizontal swing barriers are in place in New Brighton to allow closure of Coastal Drive and Kings Parade, and at West Kirby to allow closure of South Parade.

A flood investigation report into tidal flooding in December 2013 recommended that the authority should introduce ‘permanent solutions to allow for improved response with regard to road closures’.

The decision of when to close these barriers will be taken based on the risk to safety of the public and after consultation with emergency service partners.