Agenda item

The Acting Head of Transport reminded the Committee of details of the Scheme. The Council had been approached in the past by residents and local community groups to improve traffic flow and address commuter parking issues in and around Burnham Lane and Station Road.  

Transport modelling was commissioned by officers in 2014 to assess 12 different scenarios. The scenarios included reversing the one way on Burnham Lane, making Station Road one way northbound and then southbound and closure of Station Road. The report found that all options would result in an improvement around the station but would also have some impact on other local roads.

In terms of the experimental traffic scheme, Members agreed to initially proceed with the scheme option involving the full closure of Station Road, as part of an experimental order. The experimental scheme began mid  October and involved the full closure of Station Road at the railway bridge. Following the month three report for Phase 1, the Council took the decision to trial a second experimental phase for the scheme, involving the northbound operation of Station Road as opposed to a full closure.

The Committee were informed that the Phase 2 experimental scheme involved:

·  Opening Station Road at the railway bridge, to northbound only traffic, from Stanhope Road to Burnham Lane

·  Narrowing Station Road near the bridge to deter vehicles attempting to travel southbound under the bridge and to assist pedestrians crossing the road here

·  Keeping some of the existing features of the current scheme including:

o  Station triangle being one way

o  Mini roundabout at the junction of Burnham Lane with Buckingham Avenue

o  Bus stop location remaining on Station Road at the triangle (in both directions)

·  New direction and information signs

·  Traffic signal works to support the new scheme

Although Phase 2 of the Scheme had been in place for only a month, details of feedback collated to date were outlined. A total of 58 response to date had been received and analysis of those responses indicated that 72% of individuals had indicated that they had had a better journey compared to the area prior to both experimental schemes. In comparison, it was noted that 508 responses were submitted in the first month of Phase 1 of the scheme  and although some general assumptions could be made at this stage; with a low response rate the results should be viewed as an indicator of the current feedback and not the full response from the community. 

A Member requested clarification regarding responses received, if any, from schools within the vicinity. It was noted that due to the Easter break it had not been possible to collate any responses from schools and that this information would be made available once received. A response from Haybrook College had been received who confirmed that they were happy with the one way system.

Responding to concerns raised relating to speeding vehicles under the bridge, officers confirmed that minor safety modifications/alterations to the scheme could be, if appropriate, explored with the stakeholder group.  

The Committee were reminded that analysis of Phase 2 of the Scheme and the final recommendation regarding a permanent decision were due to be considered by Cabinet in June 2016. An update report would be provided at the July Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Resolved –  That the feedback and date gathered to show the progress of the experimental scheme Phase 2 be noted.