Minutes:
Issues discussed are as follows:
Stoke Poges Lane (Belgrave Rd/Bradley Rd) Safety Scheme – As per the request from the previous minutes JW confirmed she would be circulating a copy of the safety audit to members.
Shackleton Road dead end junction with Queens Road – JW updated the group that a revised bollard layout has been implemented on site with agreement of local residents to re-use existing bollards and reduce the total number of bollards in the whole area in total, aiming to stop footway parking and increase pedestrian and cycling access in this area. Periodic feedback on how the layout is working to be provided.
Shackleton Road/Gilliat Road/Montague Road – AD stated that there was a wider issue within this area about footway parking where it completely blocks access to the footway for pedestrians. Photos taken by TA had been circulated showing the problem and TA also stated that the local PCSO, Maggie Morton had placed 30/40 warning stickers on cars completely blocking the footway, with the intention of ticketing if the offence continues. AD said the police can only ticket someone for obstructing the footway not for contravening parking restrictions which is enforceable by the Council. TA went on to explain that pedestrians are forced to walk in the carriageway by this inconsiderate parking, which is incredibly dangerous. It was agreed that this is an issue all over Slough and questioned as to whether the Police actually give tickets where footways are obstructed. AD gave the view that Police ticketing policy is sporadic.
TA thought that new powers from the DfT could make it easier for local Council’s to use signage together with Traffic Regulation Orders to ban footway parking on a designated length of highway. TA also stated that an Order would not need to ban two up two down parking if the road is too narrow for parking entirely within the carriageway and he would like to see serious consideration of the problem either with SBC or the police having a definite policy to undertake enforcement.
Members suggested that white lines could be put on the footway indicating the allowance for two up two down parking however, AD stated that putting white lines on the footway would legitimise the offence of driving on the footway. If an accident happened as a result, the Council would be liable as they’d authorised the action, in addition footways are not designed for vehicle loading.
Members agreed they needed more information about the new powers from the DfT before the next meeting and if appropriate to recommend thereafter that the Council utilises the necessary powers to tackle this parking problem in the borough.
Members felt the council needs to give guidance to all road users not just to the Police.
TE suggested that the LAF approach the police, (the local area officer) as an official body to voice concerns about full on pavement parking and ask what the current police policy is in relation to this issue. It would also be useful to advise them about the Maggie Morton PCSO good practice attempt in Montague/Shackleton Road. All agreed.
Park Street/Herschel Street and Hencroft Street North/South crossovers (rear of High Street Slough) – JW informed the meeting that drop crossings at these locations have been implemented.
Herschel Street – (cyclist only option to cyclists as they cannot use the High Street)
There are currently double yellow lines along this route. JW will clarify what the parking restrictions are and bring to next meeting.
A4 Langley Road junction and Datchet Road crossing near the Myrke – Previous minutes stated that the cycling signs are confusing at this location. After visiting site it was found that the footway marking on the Myrke side of the carriageway of Datchet Road could be misleading. A request would be made to remove it.
Primary Way, Chalvey & Path between Spackmans Way and White Hart Road, Chalvey – The safety audit has been done and the items identified as problems by the LAF ie; the cut through on Primary Way and the staggered barriers on FP33 were picked up in the audit. Officers are currently awaiting the designers’ response.
Shaggy Calf Lane/Wexham Road Temporary Roundabout – members highlighted concerns that the layout of this temporary roundabout causes more difficulty for cyclists, as the cycle lane doesn’t feed into the roundabout on the east side of Wexham Road when on the carriageway. AD stated that the guidance for mini-roundabouts says that on the approach cyclists should be taken off carriageway. IH also identified that there is no feed into the cycle lane situated on the east side verge of Wexham Road. This concern would be forwarded to the relevant Transport officers and feedback requested.
Resolved –
a) Actions would be taken as per the above notes and updates provided at the next meeting.
b) 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.