Comments Received

Officers’ Views

A scheme proposal detailed in Annex 4 was received from a resident of Dark Lane, requesting that (a) Dark Lane be closed at it’s mid-point, and (b) that a junction be formed with the new link road at a point south of the existing alignment.

Only Dark Lane needs to be closed, since this is the source of the problem, and the closure of Moor Avenue would have a greater impact on the residents of the area since this denies access into Witney town centre, or away from the town along Welch Way.

As Moor Avenue runs parallel to the new link road, and has an existing ‘rat running’ problem, traffic management measures are considered necessary.

Closing Moor Avenue will add additional time for various emergency services to reach the affected area, since this is the quickest access point for emergency vehicles to the surrounding area and to Burford Road.

Any closure would incorporate the requirements of emergency services.

Any proposal used will cause an increase in traffic on Burford Road, and therefore traffic calming measures will be needed. A proper enforcement of the speed limit would be helpful, since speeds of 50 to 70m.p.h are common.

It is considered that any displaced traffic from Moor Avenue or Dark Lane will use the new link road, and not cause an increase on Burford Road. Comments regarding enforcement of the speed limit will be forwarded to Thames Valley Police.

Since residents at the eastern end of Dark Lane object to it being closed, is it worth considering moving the closure point further down Dark Lane, e.g., near the old peoples bungalows/training centre.

This can be considered as part of the consultation undertaken once the new link road is opened.

Suggestion of a pedestrian crossing at bottom of Moor Avenue, before Moorland Road junction, possibly even with a raised hump.

The provision of traffic calming or a road closure would improve pedestrian safety.

The effects of the construction of the new West End Link Road should be monitored before any closures are introduced, that may need to be altered.

It is considered that motorists will avoid the proposed traffic signal junctions to be constructed as part of the link road, and use Moor Avenue/Dark Lane as convenient alternatives.

Is it better to close Dark Lane at the Moor Avenue Junction, so as to allow residents of Dark Lane to exit at the top, joining on to the new Link Road?

This can be considered as part of the consultation undertaken once the new link road is opened. The difficulties concerning creating an all movements junction have been considered within the body of the report.

Motorists use Moor Avenue and Dark Lane as race tracks.

The proposed measures will address these concerns.

There should also be a right turn from Dark Lane on to the new Link Road in line with future junctions that join this new road.

This will be considered as part of the consultation that will immediately follow the opening of the new road.

Make Moor Avenue resident parking only, and put retractable bollards for the use of emergency vehicles only.

It is planned to undertake a parking study as part of the Witney Integrated Transport Strategy, in 2003/04. Access controls for emergency vehicles will be considered.

There should be a way for cyclists to gain access, where Moor Avenue is closed.

Provision will be made for cyclists to gain access through any closure.

That a roundabout junction be created to incorporate Dark Lane, the new link road and Burford Road.

Traffic signal junctions are preferable to roundabouts in urban areas as they cater for the more vulnerable road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians. Roundabouts in particular have poor safety records for cyclists.

That the Dark Lane access be left open, but move southwards on the new road to form a roundabout junction with the entrance to the new development.

This would increase the use Dark Lane as a rat run.