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ITEM EX13

EXECUTIVE – 28 MAY 2002

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING - STATION ROAD, WALLINGFORD

Report by Director of Environmental Services

1. A proposal for a "Toucan" pedestrian/cycle crossing at this location was originally part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 501 in Wallingford. However, investigations and discussions with the local member and Town Council showed that only a pedestrian facility was necessary at this location. The proposal was subsequently changed to a humped Zebra Crossing. Sustrans have agreed to continue to fund this.

Consultation

2. Formal consultation on the proposal for a humped Zebra Crossing was carried out in November 2001. Letters were sent to road user representative bodies, emergency services and residents living in the vicinity of the proposed crossing. Site notices were erected for a one-month period and an advertisement placed in the local newspaper.
3. Responses were received from Thames Valley Police, the Town Council, the local County Councillor, The Disabled Drivers Association and three residents (two of whom live adjacent to the crossing’s proposed location). Copies are in the Members’ Resource Centre.

Discussion

4. Initial responses from the Town Council and two residents living nearby suggested that the crossing as proposed was in an unsuitable location and would not be used. There is a footway linking Compton Terrace to Station Road, which emerges opposite the Esso Garage, and a number of people choose to cross at this location. This is a short distance west of the proposal. This site was assessed for a crossing but ruled out on safety grounds due to the proximity of the busy garage and nearby access.
5. In order to determine the potential usage of both sites, a detailed pedestrian survey was carried out. These results showed that although some people would cross at the exit from Compton Terrace to access the garage, the majority of people turned towards where the currently proposed crossing would be built and that therefore the proposed location would serve the highest pedestrian demand.
6. The survey results were forwarded to the Town Council who have subsequently approved the proposed location. There is similar approval from the local member and Thames Valley Police.
7. The Disabled Drivers Association is in support of the proposal but request that the hump is as "disabled driver friendly" as possible for the comfort of disabled drivers. This will be taken into consideration at the detailed design stage.
8. The other objections, from the two residents concern collection / dropping off by local coach firms and for one resident, the need to be collected daily by Social Services transport. There is a twice-weekly pick up by a free Tesco bus, which stops at the proposed crossing location. Tappins tour coaches also use this location. As the pick up point is informal, the bus companies could use an alternative location further east, outside the area protected by the Zebra crossing zig zag markings. This would mean a displacement by only some 20-30 metres. The pick up point for the elderly resident of Weedon Court is apparently to the east of the access and could be similarly moved to the west side, a move of only some 10–15 metres, and would avoid the zig zag markings.
9. A further objection relates to the equipment associated with a Zebra crossing, ie, the flashing orange beacons and the proximity to the adjacent house. This will be addressed at the detailed design stage by specifying shrouds for the beacons.

Financial and Staff Implications

10. The Humped Zebra Crossing will cost around £20,000 and will be funded from the Sustrans National Cycle Network Budget. Babtie will carry out design and construction supervision. There are no other significant staff implications.

RECOMMENDATIONS

11. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:

1. note the responses and objections received; and
2. authorise detailed design and implementation of the scheme as proposed.

May 2002

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