Division(s): Abingdon

Objection/Observation/Comment.

Officer Response

The scheme is likely to be ineffectual and therefore a waste of money.

Our experience suggests that similar schemes and similar measures have had an overall beneficial effect in slowing and/or discouraging vehicles in what is an environment densely populated with vulnerable road users at certain times of the day.

John Mason cyclists ought to be accommodated whilst implementing this scheme.

Whilst ideally we would like to do this, the scheme is aimed, within its limited budget, at improving conditions for smaller younger children. The facilities we do provide will be there for all should they choose to use them. John Mason children are older and better able to cope with cycling on the existing roads.

Suggestion that 20 mph zone be introduced.

This was considered but whilst the County Council continue to determine a policy for the introduction of 20 mph zones, it has been decided not to proceed at this time. The proposed calming measures are to be introduced and subsequent speeds monitored. Following the introduction of a policy, and on due consideration of the new speed data, a 20 mph zone could be investigated further.

Safety of cyclists crossing the end of Boxhill Road adjacent to Oxford Road.

We are not really changing the layout here other than providing dropped kerbs in the location where people already cross. Provision of some form of crossing could be considered within the Abingdon ITS.

Humps are not really necessary and could they be omitted or cushions used instead.

Humps have been chosen as the most effective method for slowing vehicles in front of the school and to accommodate the zebra crossing. Cushions are generally substituted where humps are proposed on a bus route.

Existing waiting restrictions need proper enforcement.

This is an enforcement issue, which lies outside the Oxfordshire County Council area of control and therefore should be raised with the Police.

Boxhill Road too narrow for cycle lane and speeds are excessive. We should introduce calming features.

Boxhill Road is narrow and cannot accommodate mandatory cycle lanes. An advisory lane is proposed to give an indication to motorists that cyclists are likely to be present. Calming measures may be an option but would be outside the scope and budget of this brief.

Cyclists’ and pedestrians should not be expected to share the footway for reasons of safety.

OCC monitoring of similar facilities has shown that despite initial fears of pedestrian and cyclist conflicts, these rarely materialise. This scheme is aimed at young children who are unlikely to be travelling at excessive speeds. More experienced riders are likely to prefer to remain on the road.

Cycle barriers on bridge over river Stert should be cycle friendly.

Agreed. Suitable types are currently being investigated and will be specified in the detailed design.

Oxford Road junction with Northcourt Road section of proposed shared cycleway is too remote from the school for inclusion of this scheme. Funds should be used on improving links adjacent to the school.

Agreed. Such lengths remote from the school would be better included within the Abingdon ITS. There is a more suitable existing route nearer the school which would benefit from some attention. This is the path linking Harcourt Way to Boxhill Walk.

Scheme will displace parking from outside the school into nearby residential roads.

This is one of the scheme aims. It is a very short term displacement at school start and end times while parents drop off / collect their children. Instead of congesting the school zone and creating a hazardous environment, there are roads away from the school where short term parking can be more easily accommodated. Children can then walk the remainder of the way and take advantage of the new footways and improved crossings.

Ownership of pavement which is to be widened in Boxhill Road has been questioned.

The Highway Boundary plans show that the scheme is wholly within the highway. The resident claims that his Deeds indicate ownership up to the centre of the carriageway. However OCC have highway rights and would suggest that the principals are explained in a letter to the resident.

Upgrade the existing Wootton Road Zebra crossing for a toucan crossing.

The budget for this scheme would not accommodate such a conversion. Mention could be made for possible inclusion in future Abingdon ITS works.

Boxhill Walk segregated cycle/footway should be wider than that proposed.

Budget constraints dictate the scale of such items. The designers have widened existing footways where possible but remained within the Highway Boundary.

Cars will park on the end of the on-carriageway cycle lane at the west end of Boxhill Road.

This will be the case over a short length. It is only an advisory cycle lane which doesn’t preclude cars from parking on it however inconvenient for cyclists. This short length terminates in a dead end so oncoming vehicles will not be a problem for cycles that have to skirt round parked cars.