Agenda item

  Issues discussed are as follows:

  Montem Lane width restriction; AD stated that this width restriction problem may be improved as part of the planning obligation for the new school at the Old Town Hall.  It forms part of a walking route to the school from the Chalvey area and might be turned into a crossing point.  The school is due to be open by Sept 2012 so it could be fast tracked to this schedule.  AD would bring to the LAF when the planning application is received.

  Stoke Poges Lane (Belgrave Rd/Bradley Rd) Safety Scheme – The independent safety audit recently undertaken for this scheme recommended that on the northbound approach the road markings were adjusted to direct drivers and other road users away from the build out.  This is the issue that was identified by members previously.  The Council has complied with this recommendation.  However, members did not consider this to be satisfactory and requested that a copy of the safety audit be forwarded to them by email.

  Shackleton Road dead end junction with Queens Road – JW informed the meeting that the parking restrictions are currently incorrectly shown on the ground at the end of Queens Road as they should extend beyond the old bollards towards Shackleton Road. The Parking team have been informed so this can be rectified.  The situation has been investigated and bollards will be erected in the first instance to protect the crossover from being blocked by parked cars.  A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) would be required to extend the existing double yellow lines in Shackleton Road at a cost of approximately £2000.  Members agreed to see how it goes with the bollards before pushing for a TRO.  JW would provide feedback at the next meeting.

  Park Street/Herschel Street and Hencroft Street North/South crossovers (rear of High Street Slough) – AD informed the meeting that improvements at this location could be implemented.

  Herschel Street (only option to cyclists as no cycling allowed in High Street. – Previously this route had been viewed as hazardous for cyclists due to fast drivers and narrow carriageway width.  VV had said he would look at the feasibility of removing the centreline as a way of making drivers take more care.  JW to chase Transport section for a response on this issue.

   East end of High Street Slough – The low level branches on the trees at the east end of the new High Street scheme have been pruned solving the obstruction issue.  Members discussed the problems with cyclists being barred from using the High Street.  AD stated that this is due to it being a heavily pedestrianised area and the consequent safety implications.  AD also informed the meeting of the Windsor Road off-carriageway cycleway scheme where the footway is being widened.  Plans of the scheme will be forwarded for comment.

  A4 Langley Road junction and Datchet Road crossing near the Myrke – IH stated that the cycling signs are confusing at this location.  This will be investigated.

  Primary Way, Chalvey – The problems identified by the LAF on this development can be dealt with as part of the safety audit process whereby the developers are obligated to rectify issues raised.  DM questioned whether some Council officers are committed to improving cycling.

  Path between Spackmans Way and White Hart Road, Chalvey – The issue with the staggered barriers along this route can be dealt with under the same safety audit process as above.

  Farnham Road and Buckingham Ave – The update from VV was that this junction improvement could not be incorporated into the SEGRO Leigh Road Central Concession.  However, he did forward information about improvements that have been secured and the overall strategy.  The narrow central reservation on the Dover Road crossing at Bath Road would be widened.  A plan was tabled showing the new layout of the Galvin Road junction which will include blocking the service road to vehicular traffic and creating a vehicular one way circular junction.  Ultimately the strategy along the Bath Road is to move the cycle ways on to the service road away from the main carriageway.

  Sheffield Ave and Oatlands Drive – IH reiterated that the main concern for cyclists on the carriageway is the pinch points created by the splitter islands situated at too regular intervals.  The cycle lanes are so narrow cyclists are forced to ride further out and can then create traffic congestion along the entire route with cars having no opportunity to pass.  AD stated that there could be a possibility that if this road is resurfaced in the future the situation can be addressed however, there are always problems faced when trying to retro fit modern pedestrian/cycling infrastructure onto existing highway.  A balance between all user needs has to be attempted.

  Footpath between Shaggy Calf Lane and Borderside, members agreed that the removal of the no cycling roundels benefited the route as it is wide enough to accommodate multiple users.

  The general consensus from members was that on carriageway cycling infrastructure was lacking; with too many off carriageway shared use cycleway facilities.  It was noted that the Council’s Transport section did seem keen to take cyclists off carriageway at most opportunities.  IH thought it is safer for cyclists and pedestrians if cyclists are on the carriageway. 

   Resolved – 

a)  To forward minutes and comments to Transport section so they are aware of LAF position regarding off carriageway cycle routes and so that the cycling problems with Oatlands Drive are flagged up.

b)  Actions would be taken as per the above notes and updates provided at the next meeting.

c)  To have another meeting where key council officers involved in transport scheme design could cycle with LAF members to see first hand the types of problems encountered.  JW will get back to members with some possible dates.