Agenda item

Ditton Park Cycle Path update –JW reported update from Peter Challis (Sustrans) dated 21 March 2012 saying there has been no progress in trying to get a site meeting with CA and he would try to contact someone at a higher level within CA to escalate the matter.  He would inform the LAF if successful and if not decide what further action to take.  There have been no further reports of any random closures recently.  Members felt that it is disgraceful that CA, such a huge company are ignoring what is a legal obligation under the planning process to ensure the route is maintained and available for use.  JW stated that the actual planning agreement was with RBWM and the path is within RBWM, however, the route is beneficial to residents in both boroughs.  AD noted that the route is part of the National Cycle Network but impacts directly on Slough residents as it provides an off –road cycle link across the south of the borough.  Members agreed that the SLAF ought to write directly to CA on behalf of the path users from Slough and copy RBWM LAF.  DM thought that initial SLAF action should be to contact RBWM LAF to explain the strong feeling on this issue and to see if they would like to send a joint letter. 

Resolved – JW would draft a letter to CA and advise RBWM LAF about the situation to see if they would like to send letter jointly.

Update on path dedication in memory of Margery Hitchman

  Margery’s family are happy for the path to be publicised and JW is working on ways in which this can be achieved in liaison with Tony Downs, the Herschel Park Warden and Bruce Hicks, Community Parks Projects Officer. 

  Resolved – continue to try to promote the nature reserve section of Herschel Park and in doing so, Margery’s path.

  Borderside to Shaggy Calf Lane – JW advised that Transport, Road Safety team have requested that the no cycling roundels remain in place as the local NAG group have been complaining that cyclists ride too fast along this path.  The route is a public footpath, and also adopted public highway with cycling illegal along both.  However, enforcement of this prohibition doesn’t generally happen and cyclists do use public paths as an alternative to busy roads.  Members agreed that if a path is wide enough to safely allow multi-use, as in this case, it will help support the Council’s aims in encouraging increased use of sustainable modes of transport.  Members thought the best course of action would be for the cycling usage to be legalised by converting the route to a cycle track; shared-use footway/cycleway signs could then be erected.

  [If the path is dedicated as a cycle track then it will need to be extinguished as a public footpath and would then be removed from the Definitive Map – record of public rights of way]

  Resolved -  The LAF will ask the Integrated Transport team to dedicate the route as a cycle way under the Cycle Tracks Act 1984.

Chalvey One Way Experimental Scheme Consultation

  The general effects of the scheme was discussed with TA stating that he feels it provides a more straightforward route layout and that it is helping to increase community pride.  It was noted that there is increased parking for deliveries and for passing trade and that there is a variety of local opinion both for and against.  Members felt that the Ragstone Road layout though strange with minor roads given priority, did open up the options available to navigate around Chalvey and were particularly happy that the contra flow cycle lane will be retained as part of the scheme being consulted on.

  Members agreed the scheme appears to have solved the previous congestion issues experienced in Chalvey.

  Farnham Road and Buckingham Ave Junction Improvement –Feedback from Transport was that this improvement sounds eminently sensible and would be added to the priority list for consideration.  The LAF would be informed of its position on the list when it is decided.

  Further Update Received After Meeting: This request was taken into account as part of the Council’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund bid.  If the bid is successful there will be 3-4 years in which to implement the scheme.

  Heart of Slough –

·  Crossing point at Windsor Road – TE had complained about the hazard to pedestrians due to the new crossing signals design.  The problem being where cars heading south continue when cars in opposite direction have stopped creating confusion and danger for those crossing.  JW pointed out that the Transport response said that on completion, the signal phasing would be reviewed to see if an alternative sequence might help and high level indicators would also be installed which are more visible to pedestrians. AD advised that sufficient traffic has to be allowed through the junction on this arm of the main junction with the additional complication caused by the new right turn into High Street West.  He added that an independent Road Safety Audit would be done on completion in which this issue would hopefully be flagged up.

·  TE felt that the overall Heart of Slough scheme has been built with the emphasis on cars and is not friendly at all for cyclists or pedestrians.  AD thought it would be better to wait for the scheme to be completed before commenting which would be due at the end of April 2012.  TE pointed out that the scheme at the moment did not feel safe and feels like it’s designed to drive through rather than walk or cycle.  AD said the whole ethos of the HoS was to open it up and make it safer for pedestrians/cyclists with removal of the subways and thus fear of crime.  TE was asked to put his concerns down in writing that could be passed to the auditors. AD stated there are no formal on carriageway cycle routes through the Heart of Slough, while TE as an experienced cyclist did not feel safe.  AD accepted that a site visit with LAF members could be possible after completion.  JW to liaise with DM/AD about dates for this before the next meeting.