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Division(s): Deddington

ITEM TIC6

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 7 JULY 2005

DEDDINGTON, HIGH STREET/HORSE FAIR TRAFFIC SIGNAL JUNCTION PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITY IN HORSE FAIR

Report by the Interim Head of Transport

 

Introduction

  1. This report considers responses received to a public consultation on the proposed installation of an additional pedestrian crossing facility at the A4260 High Street / B4031 Horse Fair traffic signal junction in Deddington and seeks approval to proceed with construction.

    2. Background

  2. At present only the Banbury Road (northern) arm of this crossroads junction has a pedestrian crossing facility. A member of the public requested an additional crossing facility on the Horse Fair arm in May 2002. Following an initial assessment further design work was carried out last financial year and the Parish Council consulted prior to proceeding with public consultation.

    3. Proposal

  3. The pedestrian crossing facility proposal (revised location) in Horse Fair is located just to the east of an existing uncontrolled dropped-kerb crossing point outside the library (Annex 1) (download as .doc file).

    4. Consultation

  4. Direct consultation on these proposals was undertaken between 22 March and 29 April 2005 with the local County Councillor, Cherwell District Council, emergency services, other relevant bodies and 10 residents in the immediate vicinity.

  5. Cherwell District Council and Deddington Parish Council both support the proposal.

  6. Thames Valley Police reported that an extra pedestrian crossing facility should be a positive benefit in terms of road safety.

  7. Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service confirm they have no objection.

    8. Residents’ Comments

  8. Two letters were received from residents expressing concerns about the proposal. The main points raised by them are listed below:-

    • Positioning of the crossing – outside of front door.

    • Noise nuisance – audible warning (bleeper) and public congregating to cross.

    • Access to garages and yard – with revised stop line position vehicular access would become difficult.

    • Conservation area – need does not appear absolutely necessary and concerned at additional street furniture.

Officer Comments

  1. Following a site meeting with the resident fronting the proposal it was accepted it would be unreasonable to proceed with our original design due to the direct impact upon the front door and vehicular access point. The original location was proposed due to the existing street furniture (overhead power cable) and restricted space available as a result.

  2. However, following further investigations it would be possible to divert the overhead power cables underground and for the crossing point to be relocated to the west of the front door as shown at Annex 1. The existing traffic signal post and stop line could remain in their current positions. The electricity board are happy to divert the overhead cables from the three wooden poles underground, which would substantially improve the visual amenity of this section of highway. The middle pole may need to remain in place purely to serve incoming BT lines. Installing the crossing point at the revised location minimises the impact of the scheme upon adjacent properties and the removal of all (or at least two) of the overhead cables, including wire stays, is likely to improve the visual aspect in this part of the conservation area.

  3. Our Traffic Signal Team has confirmed that they would not require an audible warning to be fitted at this location. Provision may be made for blind and deaf persons through the use of a small revolving tactile (knob) fitted beneath the push button. Additional noise as a result of this proposal is therefore likely to be negligible.

    4. Financial and Staff Implications

  4. The detailed design and construction costs of the proposed pedestrian crossing facility are estimated at £33,000. This scheme will be funded from the 2005/2006 Community Safety Budget. The work associated with the scheme can be managed within existing staffing levels.

    5. RECOMMENDATIONS

  5. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to approve the installation of a pedestrian crossing facility as detailed at Annex 1 (download as .doc file) to this report, subject to authorising the Interim Head of Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Transport and Sustainable Development to resolve any concerns or comments resulting from detailed design and/or safety audit should any arise.

RICHARD DIX
Interim Head of Transport

Background papers: Consultation documents and responses received

Contact Officer: Andrew Johnson Tel: Oxford 815737

June 2005

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