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ITEM EX11

EXECUTIVE – 17 APRIL 2002

WOODSTOCK: HENSINGTON ROAD, SHIPTON ROAD, FLEMINGS ROAD, PRINCES RIDE AND CADOGAN PARK TRAFFIC CALMING PROPOSALS

Report by Director of Environmental Services

Introduction

  1. Traffic calming measures in the above roads were included in the 2001/02 Casualty Reduction Scheme Programme in response to an above average accident rate. Babtie were commissioned to prepare a preliminary design for the scheme (with the early involvement of Woodstock Town Council and also the two local schools - both being situated in these roads).

    2. The proposals also took account of a planning consent specifying the provision of traffic calming in the vicinity of a residential development for which funding had been secured from the developer.

  2. Informal consultations were carried out in November 2001; this indicated – albeit from a rather limited response from members of the public – a majority in favour of the proposals. Additionally, no adverse comment from the Fire service (particularly relevant as Woodstock Fire station is sited in Hensington Road), the Police or Ambulance services was received.

  3. It should be pointed out that during the informal consultations, Woodstock Town Council expressed some divergence of views from those initially conveyed at a meeting of a working group of the Town Council and representatives from Babtie and the County Council to help formulate the preliminary design of the scheme (see para 6 below).

  4. In the light of the above, the Executive Member for Transport approved the formal consultation (carried out between 22 February and 22 March) on the measures as shown in Annex 3. The measures proposed also include a limited number of traffic calming features on the Cadogan Park/Princes Ride/Flemings Road route to help deter any diversion of traffic that might arise from the main scheme.

    5. Formal Consultation Responses

  5. A summary of the responses received is given in Annex 1. Very few objections have been received and as will be seen from my comments there would not appear to be a strong case for revising the proposed measures in the light of the representations received, although in some cases minor adjustments and monitoring may be appropriate.

  6. No response to the formal consultation has been received from Woodstock Town Council. However my understanding is that their letter of 18 January (see Annex 2) states their current position. While this expresses support for the measures proposed for Shipton Road, the speed cushions in Hensington Road are not supported, and a request is made that fewer features be installed on the Cadogan Park – Princes Ride – Flemings Road route. It also draws attention to the possibility of traffic diverting to Brook Hill and Green Lane. If any further comments are received they will be reported orally at the meeting.

  7. The grounds for the Town Council’s views are not clear; the traffic accident history and traffic speeds on the Hensington Road are virtually identical to those of the Shipton Road, where the need for calming is accepted. On the Cadogan Park – Princes Ride – Flemings Road route, Babtie advise that the use of fewer features would be contrary to recognised good practice in relation to the spacing of road humps.

  8. In the absence of a further submission by the Town Council, it is assumed that the above views do not constitute a formal objection to the proposals. However, in view of the concerns over the possibility of traffic diverting to Brook Hill and Green Lane, it is recommended that should the proposals be approved, before and after traffic monitoring in these roads be carried out to determine the need for possible counter measures.

    9. Environmental Implications

  9. The scheme has been designed to minimise the possible adverse environmental effects such as sign clutter, although the proposals will require the appropriate regulatory and warning signs. Particular care has been taken to minimise visual intrusion at the western end of Hensington Road, which lies within the Conservation Area. The project manager will meet on site to discuss individual concerns if they arise.

    10. Financial and Staff Implications

  10. Provision has been made in the 2002/03 Casualty Reduction Scheme Programme; additionally a developer contribution of £18,000 is available in respect of calming works in the vicinity of a residential development by the New Road junction. The work will be undertaken from within existing staff resources

    11. RECOMMENDATIONS

  11. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:

    1. note the objections and representations in response to formal consultation for the scheme as set out in Annex 1 and the comments of the Director of Environmental Services;

    2. note the representation made by Woodstock Town Council following the informal consultation (and subsequent meeting and correspondence) as set out in Annex 2; and

    3. approve the implementation of the traffic calming works and the making and implementation of the 20mph speed limit order as set out in Annex 3.

DAVID YOUNG
Director of Environmental Services

Background papers: Copies of consultation correspondence

Contact Officer: Anthony Kirkwood Tel: Oxford 815704

April 2002

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