Agenda item

Pavement Parking Central Scheme update –

JW stated the safety audit has been done and the final scheme drawings are available.  The scheme has been implemented and representations are being accepted over the 6 month experimental period.  IH commented that in his experience pavement obstructions in this area seem improved since the scheme implementation.  JW confirmed that the 6 month consultation period was specific to central ward and the roll out to other wards may not be dealt with the same way.

JW agreed to would find out;

·  What is being done to monitor the effect of the changes,

·  When the consultation is due to end and how the decision would be made to make changes permanent or not.

·  Where the next pavement parking scheme is going to be and how the consultation will be approached.

IH thought it would be useful to know the main locations being targeted, with before and after photos to help determine the success of the changes. DM agreed asking that all members make an effort to review the changes and take an individual view so that a consensus could be pulled together for a formal LAF response at the next meeting.

East – West Cycle Route –

JW tabled the new route to be constructed through the Salt Hill Park on new and existing paths.  The intention is to open up the entrance to the park at Salt Hill Way so that it feels more welcoming with the east/west cycle route continuing west along Salt Hill Way.  This could involve a diversion of the existing public footpath 21 which runs along the perimeter of the park at this location. 

Discussions followed with members agreeing that it would be beneficial to divert the public path as shown on the plans as the current access point is dark and lacks natural surveillance. 

Members queried the necessity of removing poplar trees adjacent to the railway and whether or not a new bridge is planned over the stream where the plans indicate a path widening.  The plans state the trees are being removed due to safety concerns and will be replaced. JW agreed to find out further details about both these issues.  JW will also find out the date for the Zebra implementation on Stoke Poges Lane

Leigh Road New Bridge –

JW tabled the design for Leigh Road with a new road bridge being constructed and the old narrow bridge being retained as a shared use cycleway/footway.  JW explained that the SBC officers are asking for opinions on how the shared use cycleway/footway bridge should be landscaped. 

The plan is to stop up the existing adopted highway across the old bridge and then create it again as a public bridleway with the existing width of 4m.  This will allow SEGRO to utilise land on the approaches not required for the cycleway.

IH mentioned it will be interesting to see how the cycle route will be tied into the existing routes and infrastructure.  Members expressed concern that road widths in general on the trading estate ought to be widened when development opportunities arise with cycle lanes given the 1.2m required width.

JW confirmed that there will be a cycle lane and footway on the new widened Leigh Road.  Members recommend that there must be a pedestrian and cycling access from Leigh Road to Bedford Ave to allow continuation of cycling journeys along what will be a quiet east west route.  It was noted the drawing shows a 1.5 m wide pedestrian access ramp and crossing point on Leigh Road at this location, though members would like greater width on the ramp.  JW would ask Transport for more details on the design as they become available.

Lansdowne Ave Experimental Closure –

JW explained that accidents occurring at the junction of the A4 with Lansdowne Ave are the main reason behind the experimental closure.  Drivers turning from Lansdowne Ave into the A4 are focusing on vehicles coming along A4 from the west and ignoring pedestrians/cyclists on the footway coming from the east.

LAF members are still not convinced that the junction will be able to cope with the additional flow due to the closure despite the modelling that’s been done by the Transport team and the ability of the Scoot software to adapt the functioning of the junction to the flow.  Members asked if the modelling done prior to schemes is always reflected as being correct after the scheme has been implemented.  JW will investigate with Transport how they evaluate the success of their schemes after completion and bring findings to next meeting.

Resolved – actions taken as per details above and all LAF comments to be forwarded to the relevant SBC officers.