Agenda item

JW tabled the report included in the papers;

A355 Copthorne Roundabout route enhancement, A332 Windsor Road corridor Improvements, Slough Mass Rapid Transit

JW brought these three current consultations to members asking if they would like to respond.  The Windsor Road and Copthorne R/bout consultation deadlines are the end of November, though the Mass Rapid Transit deadline is 7^th Nov which is too tight to allow a LAF response.

DM queried why the markings on the shared use route on the Bath Road A4 have been removed.  JW said she would investigate.  Members felt that the Mass Rapid Transit scheme where the service road along the M4 corridor would be used as a new bus lane was less significant to the LAF in terms of walking and cycling.  TE though was concerned to know that the new bus lane could be used by cyclists.

DM felt there should be a LAF position on the two other consultations and JW agreed to send the details to members for comments using google docs.

East – West Cycle Route

JW explained that Planning consent has been received for this cycling route through Salt Hill Park and so the diversion order for the footpath is in progress with Legal being instructed.  JW explained that the public footpath has to be diverted because the new proposals would obstruct the legal line.  The idea of the east – west cycle route is to take cyclists off the Bath Road and Tuns junction where cycling is more hazardous. 

IH raised the issue of the vertical posts inside the Salt Hill Tunnel asking if they can be removed as they are hazardous and reduce the width available to walkers and cyclists passing in the tunnel.  JW agreed to find out if they can be removed.

Leigh Road New bridge –

JW updated the group that the existing highway rights across the old bridge will be stopped up and that SEGRO will enter into a S25 creation agreement to dedicate the new width as a public right of way for shared use walking and cycling. 

Pavement Parking Scheme –

The next phase includes; Wexham, Elliman, Chalvey and the rest of the new Central ward and the initial design is currently being developed.  The LAF will be consulted in due course and an officer from the design team has offered to meet with the LAF at this stage.  TE queried whether Herschel Street would be included in the next phase.  WS thought that Herschel Street was not within the new central ward.  Discussion moved onto the camera enforcement car which WS stated was limited to certain roads junctions and targeted areas.  The car can only be used in situations where a definite offence has been committed eg; around schools, double yellow lines and on clearways.  Members requested further information on the way the camera enforcement car is being used in Slough for clarity.

Bus Lane Farnham Road –

Members questioned the effectiveness of this scheme with the bus lane being abused by cars and there being no filter lane for vehicles turning into Salt Hill Way and Slough Business Park.

IH observed that though cycling provision has improved at the junction of Buckingham Ave with Farnham Road, once across the junction heading east there is no dropped kerb for cyclists on carriageway to get onto the shared use footway opposite Buckingham Ave East.  JW agreed to take this LAF request forward.

Lansdowne Ave Experimental Closure –

WS thought this experimental scheme ought to be suspended to help with congestion while the Stoke Poges Lane Bridge is closed.  However, other members felt that the closure did aid safer walking and cycling access and prevented Lansdowne Ave being used as a rat run.  

Resolved – Actions to be taken as detailed above.