Minutes:
VV explained that £4.5m LSTF funding has been secured in Slough to help change travel behaviour and support economic development and reduce carbon emissions. There are several elements one being a workplace travel programme focusing on the businesses on the Trading Estate and central Slough. Also to offer cycle grants to employers for cycle parking and to work with schools near to employers to reduce pressure in the morning peak hours.
Other elements are an east west cycle route which is meant to improve links between the main travel hubs and the trading estate; local links to the trading estate from surrounding residential areas; a cycle hire scheme; secure cycle parking hub in the town centre and improving traffic flow along key corridors like Farnham Road.
East – West Cycle Route
VV tabled a high level plan of the east west cycle route aspirations and possible proposals. These include four schemes;
Stoke Poges Lane Zebra crossing – on the south side of the bridge there is a proposal for a zebra crossing near the Lansdowne Ave junction. There is a lot of demand to cross from the east side to the western footway to get to the footway bridge. Currently people cross on the north side of the Lansdowne Ave junction which is not considered safe so the zebra will be on the south side of the junction. It was agreed that some action was needed to prevent people crossing from the north side of the junction so they are naturally directed to the zebra, suggestions included; railings, reducing width or completely removing the footway or planting of some sort. IH thought there should be an entrance to the park at the new zebra location.
Off – road cycle routes through Salt Hill Park – a new east – west cycle route through the park – With an entrance to the park, as suggested, VV explained that there are a couple of options for the alignment of the route through the park. It would either continue on the current route parallel to the railway line through a spinney area to link to the subway or create a route through the middle just north of the tennis courts to link to the existing cycle route at the rear of the Barn Café. Transport are working with the Parks department to look at the options for creating attractive walking /cycling routes through the park and through to Salt Hill Way bearing in mind the lack of natural surveillance in these areas due to trees.
New signing would continue directing cyclists along Salt Hill Way with a toucan crossing when you reach Farnham Road. KW pointed out there is an existing crossing point on the bridge but VV stated this would be re-located. The long-term aspiration is to have a cycle way facility on Pitts Road linking through to the A4, though it is possible to cycle this way already. There are no plans for any improvements in Pitts Road under the current LSTF funding.
Investigations are being done to enable widening of the existing footway between nos 59-63 Farnham Road where the highway boundary narrows. This will be dependent on landowners’ approval. Minor improvements will also be made to the cycleway link from Farnham Road through to Ajax Ave including a drop kerb.
Existing off carriageway cycleway along Farnham Road will link to new pedestrian phased crossings on all arms of the Buckingham Avenue junction. Cyclists and pedestrians will be directed to use Buckingham Ave East and Northampton Avenue back towards the town centre. TE advised that in his experience this route is dangerous for cyclists at school opening and closing times. Members also advised that Bedford Avenue would be a better route than Buckingham Avenue for cyclists being much quieter and therefore safer. Directing cyclists through the private retail area from Farnham Road to Bedford Road via Yarmouth Road may be an option.
Further improvements to Buckingham Avenue would include; widening existing cycle lanes where possible and changing lighting to use white light which is friendlier for walkers and cyclists.
On – road lanes/signing and facilities near Burnham Rail Station – current walking and cycling access to Burnham Station is not very good and VV is keen to make sure that the best outcome for walking/cycling is taken into consideration in any traffic management improvements made to the area aimed at easing congestion. WS stated the bus stop location is highly problematic and suggested re-locating further along Burnham Lane adjacent to the petrol station. However, VV explained the long term aspiration is to have the bus stopping as close to the rail station as possible and in the short term deal with the congestion and restricted visibility. Modelling is currently being done to help identify the best improvements. IH asked if a contraflow cycle lane could be achieved under the railway bridge however the width is too constrained. TH thought there may be a service tunnel adjacent to the main tunnel which could be re-opened, though Network Rail costs and conditions would probably make this prohibitive.
Members asked about the route north of the railway line shown on the plan and the possibility of acquiring land through the Horlicks site. VV confirmed that should any future development come up on this site they would be asked to incorporate such a route.
Feasibility study of removing dog leg on subway approach to Salt Hill Park (Public footpath 21) – members were aware of this issue from past meetings. JW confirmed owner of small triangle of land is known and underground watercourses that would need to be considered. VV stated they would see what kind of scheme could be achieved and then approach landowners.
Local links to the Trading Estate from the north – improvements would be identified with drop kerbs and by changing to white lighting. VV also confirmed the route across Kennedy Park will still be implemented with outline planning permission now achieved.
TH stated that future maintenance of any infrastructure improvements should always be factored in to ensure sustainability.
WS brought up the issue of overhanging trees on the wide footway of Whittaker Road as it runs adjacent to The Millie nature reserve and beyond. JW stated that Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) manage the nature reserve and she would ask both them and the Highways inspector to deal.
DM mentioned the Greystoke Road path through to Weston Road and the Dundee Road path through to Scafell Road as important northern access routes to the Trading Estate. Members supported the option to have a proper path between the bunds which is more open and visible.
TE expressed concerns about the potential cycle hire scheme from the Slough Rail Station as he was doubtful the crossing points in the Heart of Slough had the capacity to cope with more than four cyclists as well as pedestrians at the same time. VV answered that the crossings capacity could be altered by increasing the crossing time allowed. VV accepted the obstructive nature of the lighting columns in the newly surfaced footway along Brunel Way; he also informed members that a cycle hire scheme could well be located on the north side of the Railway Station. Plans for Station Forecourt North have been drawn up but are still in negotiations with Network Rail. VV stated that it’s important to have desire lines and long term aspirations on a plan and to make sure they are known about by as many officers as possible so that if future opportunities develop there is more chance they can be secured. Members made it clear they would support a route north of the railway line.
TE was doubtful that large numbers of cyclists could use the current cycling infrastructure and would have to be on carriageway. VV stated that any scheme taken forward under the LSTF has to demonstrate sustainability over at least 3 years and that the cycle hire scheme as advertised in the press doesn’t have enough sponsorship at the moment so there is a revenue shortfall. Large companies would not support a scheme which is likely to lose money. He made it clear other options for cycle hire schemes are being looked at that may be more suitable for Slough and that are self-supporting.
Overall, the zebra crossing scheme and Buckingham Ave scheme will be implemented this financial year, and routes through the park over the next two years. The cycle hire and cycle hub schemes will be taken forward over the next two years. All LSTF funding has to be spent within three years.
VV thanked members for comments made so far and would forward links and drawings to JW for circulation. He would attend the next meeting to give updates.
Resolved – JW will forward any further comments from members to VV and circulate information between meetings. Members were also asked for comments on the Walking and Cycling map that is currently being updated. TE took a hard copy of the walking and cycling map.