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ITEM EX27

EXECUTIVE – 22 JANUARY 2002

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES
GRAVEL WALK, FARINGDON AND LAUNTON ROAD, BICESTER

Report by Director of Environmental Services

1. This report considers the consultations carried out for two new pedestrian crossings, in Gravel Walk, Faringdon and Launton Road, Bicester.

A: Gravel Walk, Faringdon

2. The need for a crossing in Gravel Walk was identified by the Faringdon Better Ways to School working group. The working group's suggested solution is a pelican crossing located close to the point where the footpath from Meadow Bank enters Gravel Walk, as shown on plan 1329/F270/1. At present there is a School Crossing Patrol there.

Consultation

3. Initial consultation included the Infants and Junior Schools, the Faringdon Town Council and the Police, who all supported the proposals. Wider consultation was carried out in September 2001 among road user representative bodies, the emergency services, and residents of properties within 50 metres of the proposed crossing site, and also those parties included in the initial consultation.
4. Only one objection was received, from a resident of the property adjacent to the proposed crossing site. A summary of the points made, with my comments on them, is in Annex A.

Conclusion

5. While I acknowledge the concerns raised I do feel the suggested problems would not materialise in practice, and in view of the widespread support I recommend that we should proceed with this proposal.

B: Launton Road, Bicester

6. In March 2000 the Environmental Committee adopted an Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) for Bicester. The Strategy advocates the re-routing of traffic onto the ring roads around Bicester to reduce pressures on radial routes and within the town, and that measures in the central area of the town should principally aim at improving the environment and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
7. A Toucan crossing on Launton Road was identified for inclusion in the current works programme, in advance of the nearby Skimmingdish Lane Improvements, as it will provide improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians and fit in with the overall Integrated Transport Strategy.
8. This crossing would be located just east of Longfields, at an established uncontrolled crossing point on a "desire line" for both cyclists and pedestrians wishing to cross Launton Road en-route to south-east Bicester via Tubbs Crossing. Use is expected to rise as the "Bicester Fields" residential development continues and once the new Nursery School adjacent becomes fully established.
9. A short length of nearby footway will need to be converted to shared pedestrian/cycle usage as indicated on plan No BPN 730/B3253 Rev C. (A more detailed plan will be on display at the meeting.) The footway on the northern side is already shared use for cyclists and pedestrians and both sides will be locally widened to keep conflict to a minimum.

Consultation

10. The consultation period for this proposal ran from 17 August 2001 for a period of six weeks. One thousand and ninety five letters were sent to the residents of properties in the area of the scheme and notices were posted on site. This was in addition to direct consultation with County Councillors, Bicester Town Council, Cherwell District Council, emergency services, bus companies, etc.
11. Thames Valley Police have no objections provided that additional waiting and loading restrictions are introduced to prevent parking on the crossing approaches. No response was received from the other emergency services. Bicester Town Council welcome the crossing proposals and Cherwell District Council confirmed they are in support. No objections were received to converting the section of footway on the southern side to shared cycle/pedestrian use.
12. Of the 13 responses received from residents, eight were in favour; one opposed and the remaining four were generally happy with the proposals but had additional concerns. A summary of the representations, with my comments on them, is in Annex B.

Conclusion

13. In view of the consultation responses and the demonstrated desire to cross Launton Road at this point, I suggest the Toucan Crossing be installed as proposed.
14. I endorse the comments of the police about additional waiting and loading restrictions. Preliminary consultation on proposals for these has been carried out without objection and they are expected to be publicly advertised shortly. The measures comprise:

• extending the existing "no waiting at any time" in Launton Road eastwards to a point 135 metres east of the Longfields junction;
• extending the "no waiting at any time in Longfields northwards to a point 46 metres north of Launton Road;
• new "no loading at any time" restrictions on the southern side of Launton Road from Longfields for 110 metres eastwards (crossing the frontage of the newly opened nursery school), and on the northern side for a distance of 54 metres eastwards from Longfields

15. These controlled crossings will significantly improve pedestrian facilities. The Pedestrian crossing in Gravel Walk, Faringdon, will in particular improve safety for school children in the area, and the Toucan in Launton Road, Bicester will also help local cyclists. Both crossings will encourage alternative modes of transport to the private car.

Financial and Staff Implications

16. The Pelican Crossing in Gravel Walk, Faringdon, will cost around £35,000, funded from the Better Ways to School budget. The Toucan crossing in Launton Road will cost approximately £30,000 and would be mainly financed from the Bicester Integrated Transport Strategy Programme. A £5,000 contribution has been made by the developer of the Nursery site.
17. The design and construction supervision of both crossings will be by our consultants, Babtie Group. There are no other significant staff implications.

  RECOMMENDATIONS

18. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:-

1. approve drawing No 1329/F270/1 as the basis for detail design and implementation of a Pelican Crossing in Gravel Walk, Faringdon;
2. approve drawing No BPN 730/B3253 Rev C as the basis for detail design and implementation of a Toucan crossing in Launton Road, Bicester;
3. authorise the conversion under Sections 66(4) and 65(1) of the Highways Act 1980 of the length of footway at Launton Road, Bicester to shared cycle/pedestrian use as shown on drawing No BPN 730/B3253 Rev C; and
4. authorise the implementation of the measures discussed in the report, subject in the case of Launton Road, Bicester to the Director of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Transport and the local member, considering and any objections or other representations to the waiting and loading restrictions and determining any consequential action.

January 2002

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