TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 27 NOVEMBER 2003

Report by Assistant Director (Environment & Economy)

Introduction

Option 1 – Zebra Crossing at the location previously proposed.

Option 2 – Pedestrian refuge at new location (southern end of garage forecourt).

Option 3 – Zebra crossing at the same location as 2 above.

6. It was witnessed on site that pedestrians tend to cross Banbury Road whenever an opportunity arises rather than on a particular desire line, although the number recorded is highest in Zone C where a high proportion crossed at the southern end near the mini-roundabout junction. It would not, however, be possible to provide a Zebra crossing at that particular location because of its proximity to the junction. The carriageway is also of insufficient width to provide a pedestrian refuge at that location.

Consultation

7. Direct consultation on these options was undertaken with the local County Councillor, Cherwell District Council, Bicester Town Council, emergency services, other relevant bodies and 153 local residents including the Rowan Road development. Statutory notices were also erected on site.

8. Bicester Town Council have agreed as they did last year, that the Zebra crossing in its original location (Option 1) was the best option and felt it essential that the crossing should be near the junction of Buckingham Road and Banbury Road as many children attending Bicester Community College cross at that point.

9. Cherwell District Council fully supports the principle of a feature to aid pedestrian movements at Banbury Road along this stretch of the road, favouring a refuge (Option 2). They felt a refuge would encourage movements at a fixed point and that the hatched markings, necessary to install the refuge, would serve to calm traffic speeds generally at that location.

10. Thames Valley Police felt that the choice between the two Zebra crossing sites was marginal. However, they concluded that Option 1 coincided with the best pedestrian desire line and may, with the increased development in the area, become known as a safe place to cross and recognised as such. They suggested Option 1 could be considered in conjunction with a refuge at the northern site. The refuge acting as a complimentary measure in terms of road narrowing and any calming influence it may have.

Residents’ Comments

11. Residents were invited by letter to indicate their preferred option on a form (with prepaid postage) and to comment generally on the proposals. Of the 153 residents consulted 86 responded, which represents a 56% rate of return. A summary of the responses is shown in the pie chart below.

12. Residents generally indicated a preferred option and commented on the problems they foresaw with the alternatives. The summary of main concerns received in relation to each option is listed below:

Option 1 (Zebra at the Southern end of Banbury Road)

Option 2 (Refuge by the Garage Forecourt)

Option 3 (Zebra by the Garage Fourcourt)

13. In addition, four residents favoured none of the options, seeing no need for a crossing at any of the proposed locations. They felt a crossing scheme (perhaps with land acquisition) should be pursued at the roundabout junction with Field Street.

14. The residents in the vicinity who responded to the consultation have shown a preference for Option 3, although the Town and District Councils prefer Options 1 and 2 respectively. An initial safety audit has not identified any specific problems with any of the Options. As the funding was originally secured for the benefit of local residents it is suggested to proceed with providing the facility that the majority supports.

15. The developer funding available is insufficient to provide a Pelican crossing or raised Zebra crossing which would also require a further round of consultation. The frontager concerned about reversing into his drive may continue to do so without affecting the forward visibility to the crossing.

Financial and Staff Implications

16. The design and construction costs of this scheme estimated at £25,000 will be funded from developer contributions.

RECOMMENDATIONS

17. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to authorise officers to proceed with the design and implementation of the Zebra crossing (Option 3) as described in Annex 2 to this report, subject to the Director for Environment & Economy being authorised to resolve any concerns or comments resulting from detailed design and further safety audit, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.