Agenda item

JW tabled the drawings for two separate schemes provided by Viv Vallance;

Stoke Poges Lane Zebra crossing – members agreed with the proposals as shown on the drawings for this scheme.

Lansdowne Avenue experimental closure – various comments were made including;

• Members expressed concern that the closure would cause even more pressure and congestion on the Stoke Poges lane/Bath Road junction. 

• There were feelings that the closure was not necessary and that the use of Lansdowne Ave takes pressure off the Junction at Bath Rd/Stoke Poges Lane.  It was felt that turning out of Lansdowne Avenue into the Bath Road is not dangerous as the phases at the junction allow sufficient time and space.

• Members asked to know the reasons behind the closure.  What benefit is it felt closing the road will give.

• It was noted that the drawings don’t appear to show sufficient space for vehicles to turn around at the closed end of Lansdowne Ave. 

• WS suggested that a half closure of Lansdowne Ave as you turn left into Lansdowne off the Bath Road could be a better solution.

• Why can’t barriers be put up as a less expensive way of testing the closure than actually constructing a temporary footway and associated works?  This would allow the closure to be tested in a cheaper way. In conjunction with appropriate signage which makes the reason clear.

• It would benefit cyclists if there could be a dropped kerb all the way along the closed section at the Lansdowne Ave/Bath Road junction.

JW suggested that she would forward the minutes to the appropriate officers dealing with these schemes. 

Chalvey Road Schemes -

JW tabled the feedback from the Traffic Engineer, Lynsey Brookfield about the changes to the Ragstone Road scheme.  LAF comments about green surfacing on cycle lanes were understood, however, the Council has decided to trial a new green coloured tarmac that will be longer lasting and won’t break up.  The general consensus was that cycle lanes are marked out on the carriageway and do not require an additional colour.  Members felt that marking cycle ways in green tarmac will further reduce the flexibility to adapt to changes and that it would create problems for utility companies when reinstating.

JW will find out why green is used in Slough, is it Council policy? Also why is it used in some places and not others, as members are aware that it is not used in adjoining towns?  There was concern that it is not money well spent and perhaps the funding could be diverted to be of more benefit for cycling infrastructure or access elsewhere.

IH offered to measure the cycle lane at the island in Ragstone Road where the white line has been obscured, to make sure it’s 1.5m as the feedback states.

Better Bus Farnham Road and Junction Improvement at Buckingham Ave/Farnham Road and Albert Street/Windsor Road junction - 

JW tabled detailed design drawings for these schemes.  There will be a new Bus Lane on the south end of Farnham Road and a pedestrian phased crossing at the Farnham Road Buckingham Ave junction.  There are also to be pedestrian phased traffic lights at the Whitby Road/Farnham Road junction. The Albert Street/Windsor Road junction is to be improved with pedestrian phasing in preparation for the Windsor Road widening.

Initial comments are;

• At the Albert Rd/Windsor Road Junction - All the advanced cycle stop areas seem to have been removed from the junctions.  IH was concerned that all cyclists are being directed to the shared used off carriageway facilities.  He thought both facilities ought to be remain to give cyclists choice.

• IH stated that Slough Council was criticised by Cycle England for not having sufficient cycle lanes on carriageway.

• Farnham Road - WS suggested it may be useful to have a drop off zone along the Farnham Road outside the Centre.  People already use the bus lane to drop off anyway which blocks the bus/cycle lane.  However, members considered there may be safety issues with this.

• Farnham Road/Whitby Rd junction - IH questioned why there is to be a grassed verge area at the junction with Whitby Road which has the effect of narrowing the useable cycle lane, creating a sharp corner and the grass still has to be maintained by the Council.  If the Council wants to create off road cycle lanes then why not use all the space available.

• There were concerns that reducing the useable lanes width on Farnham Road for a Bus Lane will worsen the congestion.

• The plan showing the Three Tuns southbound on the Farnham Road seems to suggest that in the southbound direction there will only be one lane. 

  Heart of Slough –

A cycle about the Heart of Slough with LAF members and SBC Officers took place on 2^nd November 2012.  TE put together a google map record of the issues encountered.  JW will send members the link to this and forward to relevant officers.

Resolved – Members agreed they would like clarification on the layout at the

Three Tuns Junction and would like to invite an Officer from Transport along

to the next meeting to explain and give updates on the schemes

Pavement Parking Trial –

TA updated members about a trial of pavement parking proposals due to take place in the Central ward.  This will include two up two down parking on some roads and yellow lines on corners/junctions.  Enforcement remains an issue; however, TA has been told that SBC will be getting a parking car.  The public will be consulted after the trial.  Members expressed concern that actions to deal with pavement parking ought to be targeted at the hotspot areas in the borough first rather than being rolled out uniformly.  Members also requested that the LAF be consulted on the Pavement Parking Policy and updates be brought to the next meeting.