Agenda item

A355 Copthorne Roundabout and A332 Windsor Road Schemes –

JW tabled letter received from Transport in response to the LAF’s comments on the A355 and A332 consultations.  Members didn’t feel the letter fully addressed the points made. KW felt an improved bus service was paramount and the Council should stop any new Transport schemes.

It was noted that the letter answered concerns about the schemes causing a fall in property values which left members mystified as the LAF comments didn’t mention any such concern. JW drew attention to the modelling reports available on the Council’s website which has been used to justify the schemes aims.  Members felt the consultation itself wasn’t promoted widely enough.

It was noted that the Council intends to encourage cyclists to make better use of existing traffic free cycle routes in the area and will be promoting them as part of the main scheme.  Members agreed to ask the Council how exactly they propose to promote the traffic free cycle routes in the area.

IH felt that the bigger the main junctions and roads are in Slough, the more off putting it is for cycling. 

JW explained the problem footpath crossing of Tuns Lane (A355) which has not been addressed in the new scheme.  Members felt that if it served a purpose and is being used then the LAF should fight to keep it open.  IH asked how the success of the schemes in reducing congestion will be measured against the model used to justify the scheme and what criteria will be used to achieve this.

Concerns were expressed that if the Three Tuns junction changes scheme was believed to work through the modelling used but is due to be completely reversed now then how can there be any faith placed in the modelling for these current schemes. 

Member feel the congestion will simply be displaced elsewhere and would like to know the criteria required for successfully gaining the funding from the LGF to implement these schemes.  TE thought there must be a point where it becomes inefficient to undertake any further works on a route designed to reduce congestion.

Resolved – JW would draft a response to Transport and send a link around to the actual responses received to the online consultation.

East- West Walking and Cycling Route –

The diversion order has been made and is out to consultation at the moment.  JW agreed to check on whether the mature poplar trees near the railway line are to be removed or not.

Leigh Road Bridge –

The new road bridge is due to be lifted into place and the plan is for it to be open to traffic by April.  Thereafter services can be removed from the old narrow bridge and then it can open for walking and cycling use.  JW will seek answers about when the legal process will begin and when proposed design of this space will be available.

Pavement Parking –

No new updates, only that when a design is ready the LAF would be consulted.  JW informed the group that there are to be double yellow and a loading ban all the way along Herschel Street.  However, TE stated there is already a loading ban along Herschel Street! JW would inquire with Transport about the differences to enforcement the new proposals will provide, continue enquiries about the use of the enforcement car and how many tickets have been issued in Hershel Street.  If the current measures are sufficient to enforce the illegal parking in Herschel Street then why is it not happening and why are new measures being brought in?

Buckingham Ave East junction with Farnham Road –

LAF comments on this have been forwarded to Transport.