Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/079

Contact: Hugh Potter, Team Leader – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director of Community Operations (CMDE7).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to improve and convert the above footway link on the A361 Banbury Road between Bloxham & Banbury to a shared use footway/cycle track and conversion of the existing signalled crossing for pedestrians at Bloxham approximately 65 metres north of the Chipperfield Park Road junction to a toucan crossing which has been put forward as part of the wider traffic safety measures on the A361 and funded by the Department for Transport. Although improving safety is the key objective, the scheme will also help to encourage cycle trips as an alternative to the use of private cars, thereby serving to help reduce congestion and encourage active and low-carbon travel.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the conversion of the existing footway link on the western side of the A361 Banbury Road, between the junction with Chipperfield Park Road and Banbury (a distance of approximately 2.5km) to a shared use pedestrian & cycle track and conversion of the existing pelican crossing on the A361 Banbury Road at Bloxham approximately 65 metres north of the Chipperfield Park Road junction to a toucan crossing (a crossing that can be used by pedestrians and cyclists)  as advertised.

Approved

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE7) responses received to a consultation on a proposal to improve and convert the above footway link on the A361 Banbury Road between Bloxham and Banbury to a shared use footway/cycle track and conversion of the existing signalled crossing for pedestrians at Bloxham approximately 65 metres north of the Chipperfield Park Road junction to a toucan crossing put forward as part of wider traffic safety measures on the A361 and funded by the Department of Transport.

Regarding the objection from the British Horse Society Mr Kirkwood confirmed that the scheme would use some local rights of way and low flow roads. The proposals comprised improvements of existing pedestrian provision to permit use by pedal cyclists and should not be detrimental or impact on equestrian use or reduce their amenity.

Joanna Mellon confirmed that although there had been incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists there had been no incidents with regard to equestrian use.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged that funding was being provided by the Department for Transport to improve road safety and noted the information regarding accident records.  Therefore, having regard to the information set out in the report before her and the representations made to her at the meeting she confirmed her decision as follows:

to approve as advertised conversion of the existing footway link on the western side of the A361 Banbury Road, between the junction with Chipperfield Park Road and Banbury (a distance of approximately 2.5km) to a shared use pedestrian and cycle track and the existing pelican crossing on the A361 Banbury Road at Bloxham approximately 65 metres north of the Chipperfield Park Road junction to a toucan crossing (a crossing that could be used by pedestrians and cyclists).

Signed………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing…………………………….