Agenda item

Savio DeCruz, Acting Head of Transport, introduced a report summarising the Burnham Station Traffic Scheme experimental order, setting out the scheme’s progress and reception after 3 months.

It was confirmed that Burnham Station was located in an area that experienced high congestion at peak times of the morning and afternoon. Following requests from residents and local community groups to improve traffic flow and commuter parking in the area, the Council had implemented a strategic re-routing of traffic to relieve certain road corridors of high congestion.

In November 2014, the Council submitted two bids as part of the Local Growth Fund 2 (LGF2) to the LEP for improvements to Burnham Station and Langley Station. The bids focussed on improving accessibility to the stations (including the road layout) and constructing new buildings on the station forecourt. The bids were given programme entry subject to the Local Transport Body (LTB) financial approval process, however in order to receive full approval, a business case compliant with the Department for Transport (DfT) criteria needed to be met.

To meet the DfT criteria, transport modelling was commissioned by officers in 2014 to assess 12 different scenarios. The report found that all options would result in an improvement around the station but would also have some impact on other local roads.

Officers set up a working group consisting of Network Rail, Crossrail, Rail for

London, First Great Western and Segro to discuss the options and the outputs from the assessment and to also understand how the area including the station could be improved. The working group collectively agreed that if Station Road could be closed, then this would help realise wider benefits including regeneration of the sites surrounding the station.

Members agreed to proceed with the scheme option involving the full closure of Station Road, in order to trial the ‘worst case scenario’ of the options available, as part of an experimental order.  The experimental scheme began on Friday 16^thOctober. The procedure for consultation as part of an experimental traffic order required that the consultation begin once the scheme was operational. The consultation therefore began on 16th October 2015.

The consultation sought feedback through various means of communication, including the leafletting of residents, email correspondence, an online survey (via Survey Monkey), press releases, and social media. Businesses were contacted via the Segro e-newsletter, whilst additional stakeholders (such as First Berkshire Bus Company), and local schools were contacted to provide feedback. An open letter, signed by approximately 900 people, was received.

A breakdown of the feedback received was set out in the report, and included data from the aforementioned sources as well as additional data from Automatic Traffic Counts (ATCs), and journey time surveys.

General feedback received showed that the vast majority of people contacting the Council via email or via the online survey were against the scheme in general, citing longer journey times and an increase in traffic congestion. The open letter received requested the immediate instatement of Station Road to vehicular traffic, in a northbound direction. Stakeholder feedback was predominantly negative, citing longer journey times, and a loss of trade.

Journey time data from key routes showed that majority of journeys took longer than before the experimental order was implemented. Average traffic speed on key routes had remained largely the same as previously, or had seen slight decreases.

A number of questions were asked and responses received. Comments were made regarding financial losses incurred by local businesses and difficulties encountered by wheelchair bound individuals in accessing buses. Mr DeCruz stated that the Council had not been notified of accessibility issues from either the local bus company or residents. Furthermore, no correspondence was received from local businesses regarding a loss of revenue.

A Member requested details as to the total cost of the experimental scheme to date. It was noted that Members would be informed of the total final cost following the submission of all outstanding invoices.

A Member stated that communication with the local community, including both residents and local businesses was vital to ensure an open and transparent process. It was noted that in addition to surveys to receive feedback, a Transport for Slough Facebook page had been established.   

Responding to what support was provided to schools within the vicinity of the area, following the implementation of the experimental scheme, it was explained that officers had engaged with schools in providing information relating to sustainable traffic schemes, cycle initiatives and promoting active travel to school plans.

Members were advised that taking into account the responses received during the consultation period, the Council had decided to amend the experimental order to implement a one way northbound system. It was anticipated that the one way system would take effect from late February 2016. It was confirmed that a further survey would be commissioned to gauge public opinion following the initiation of the one way system.

Resolved – That the feedback and data gathered be noted.