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ITEM TIC18
TRANSPORT
IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE -
4 MARCH 2004
GROVE STREET
WANTAGE TRAFFIC CALMING
Report by
Head of Transport
Introduction
- This report sets
out the results of consultation for traffic calming in Grove Street
Wantage. The scheme has come about as part of the planning permission
granted for the Limborough Road Development in Wantage.
Background
- The scheme has
been designed by the developer as specified and in accordance with the
section 106 agreement of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and
consists of vertical and horizontal traffic calming on the public highway.
Oxfordshire County Council has advertised the introduction of the vertical
deflection for public comment in accordance with Section 90A of the
Highways Act 1980.
The Scheme
- The scheme consists
of a 50 metres long raised table incorporating areas of narrowed carriage
widths. The demarcation between the raised area and the footways will
be identified by the use of different materials and is designed to create
a more pedestrian friendly space. As well as the vertical deflection
at both ends of the raised area the carriageway has been narrowed to
create pinch points for vehicle traffic and allow wider footway areas
and better visibility to the new access. The overall scheme is shown
on the plans attached to this report (Annex 1) (download
as .doc file).
Objections
and Officer Comments
- The scheme was
advertised in the local press, by letter to the frontagers of Grove
Street and site notices from 5 - 30 January. Eight letters were received
including five containing objections. The points made in the 8 responses
in response, with officer comments are set out at Annex 2 (download
as .rtf file).
- The most frequently
occurring theme of the objections was that the scheme was not justified
through road safety or use of Council finances and that it would make
the road less suitable for vehicle traffic.
- The Town council
have commented that the scheme does not resolve traffic problems in
the road and have suggested alternative measures to resolve these issues
and reduce the passage of vehicles.
- Of the objections
and comments received, none are considered to justify reconsideration
of the scheme. The scheme has been designed to provide a safer environment
in relation to the new development. It is not intended to provide a
solution to existing traffic problems in the town and would not be detrimental
to the introduction of any future facilities. It may be more appropriate
to consider additional changes to traffic management as part of a future
integrated transport strategy for the Town. The advantages of the scheme
are considered to outweigh the possible disadvantages and therefore
the report recommends authorisation for implementation of the scheme.
Financial
Implications
- The scheme will
be constructed by the developer as part of works for the redevelopment
of Limborough Road. The scheme will be funded through a Section 106
planning agreement at no cost to Oxfordshire County Council.
Environmental
and Staff Implications
- The anticipated
reduction in speeds will give a reduction in the overall level of noise
and fumes. However, there may be occasional noise, from larger vehicles
driven carelessly over the speed ramps, causing those vehicles or their
loads to rattle.
- The remaining
preparation of the scheme, and the supervision of its construction,
would be undertaken by the developer. County Council officers would
be involved in project management and in responding to communications
from members of the public.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- The Committee
is RECOMMENDED to authorise the Director for Environment & Economy
to implement the proposed scheme, as detailed on Drawing No. ML230439/100
as set out at Annex 1 to this report.
DAVID
MCKIBBIN
Head of Transport
Background papers: Copies of letters and e-mails received about the
scheme in response to consultation.
Contact
Officer: Mark Bostock Tel: 01235 466120
13
February 2004
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