Gridlocked roads and stop-start traffic, it's a grim but familiar sight for Stockport's commuters who are facing 'traffic misery' on the roads.

Calls are growing to tackle the issue, with an MP and councillor demanding action to boost public transport services around the borough.

They said the upcoming arrival of Metrolink in Stockport needs to kickstart a wave of transport improvements to help more people get around without needing a car, including better connections to both Stockport town centre and other areas of Greater Manchester.

"It's horrendous at peak times, there's absolutely a need for more public transport options," said Councillor Wendy Meikle, who represents the Hazel Grove ward.

She said that some buses can take 'up to an hour' to get around Stockport, and many people choose to book taxis or drive instead.

Cllr Meikle added: "But it can take half an hour to move a couple of miles in the car."

Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart is pressing bosses at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) for updates on Metrolink and its wider plans around Stockport.

"Getting the Metrolink to Stockport is a major achievement in itself, but it also needs to be a platform for much better connectivity," she said.

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"With people increasingly frustrated by traffic coming to a standstill, we need to be delivering routes so they have better alternatives, so that people who want to choose public transport can, and those who need to drive are still free to.

"Residents need to know that there are clear plans in place to end their traffic misery. That means giving them reliable options for public transport, so that all the stress isn't on the road network."

TfGM said it is working with Stockport council on the business case to extend Metrolink, which it plans to submit to the government this year.

It explained that assessments are also taking place about how the main tram connection planned from east Didsbury to Stockport could also open up tram-train links to other areas.

A TfGM spokesperson said: "We are working with Stockport council on a business case to extend Metrolink from the existing east Didsbury stop to Stockport town centre.

"As part of the strategic outline business case, we are also assessing how this core line could enable further tram‑train links from Stockport to Tameside via Denton and Reddish, from Stockport to Manchester Airport, and to Hazel Grove.

"We've already made significant progress on this strategic outline business case and aim to submit it to the Department for Transport in 2026. Subject to approvals and funding, construction of the core line could start by the end of the decade."

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