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ITEM TIC7

DEDDINGTON, HEMPTON ROAD PELICAN CROSSING

1. This report considers the responses received to a public consultation on the proposed installation of a Pelican crossing on Hempton Road, Deddington and seeks approval to proceed with construction.

Background

2. Deddington Parish Council formally requested a pedestrian crossing at this location in March 2003. Following an initial assessment and site meeting further design work was carried out last financial year. Road traffic accident records for this site reveal that one serious and one slight accident has occurred within the five-year period ending 31/10/04. Both involved pedestrians crossing Hempton Road in the vicinity of the access road to the Windmill Community Centre. A wide variety of sports and recreation facilities plus a pre-school nursery are accessed via this road. In addition a Cantonese and Thai takeaway shop has recently commenced trading in the vicinity.
3. The 30mph zone on Hempton Road was altered in March 2003 as part of our Countywide village speed limit programme. It currently terminates 64 metres west of its junction with Wimborn Close. A comparison of the 85th percentile speeds recorded just east of Wimborn Close before (02/03) and after (08/04) this change shows a decrease in traffic speeds has been achieved. The reduction by 4mph to 36mph eastbound; and by 9mph to 35mph westbound is encouraging. However, provision of a pedestrian crossing would further enhance pedestrian safety at this location.

Proposal

4. The Pelican crossing proposed (Annex 1) (download as .doc file) is located at the same position as an existing uncontrolled dropped-kerb crossing point just east of Wimborn Close. Street lighting in the vicinity would require upgrading at the same time.

Consultation

5. Direct consultation on these proposals was undertaken between 16 November and 17 December 2004 with the local County Councillor, Cherwell District Council, Deddington Parish Council, emergency services, other relevant bodies and 297 local residents/businesses. Street notices were erected on site during the same period.
6. Cherwell District Council fully supports the proposal.
7. Deddington Parish Council and Highways Working Group support our proposal with the potential added inclusion of some road narrowing / build outs to further slow down the traffic near the entrance to the village.
8. Thames Valley Police commented that in the absence of speed data the position of the crossing could compromise road safety due to the short distance (81 metres) between the crossing and the 30mph speed limit. Consideration should be given to positioning the crossing further down Hempton Road or traffic engineering measures to slow down vehicles entering the village from Hempton direction.
9. Our Access Officer felt the installation of a signalised crossing would be extremely beneficial to the local community.

Residents’ Comments

10. A total of 14 responses were received from residents. 12 supported the proposal although 4 of those indicated they were concerned about traffic speeds and suggested additional signing and/or traffic calming may be beneficial. One resident adjacent to the proposed crossing on Hempton Road strongly objected and another resident of Wimborn Close objected to the location of a warning sign in that road.
11. The main points made by the resident who strongly objected are listed below:

• Increase in noise as a result of vehicles drawing away from crossing.
• Proximity to vehicular access: stopped vehicles would block access.
• Pedestrian demand low since convenience store closed down 18 months ago. Nearly all children brought to play school by car.
• Traffic signals would be visible from lounge of property.

12. A full summary of the objections/concerns received in response to consultation on the proposal along with officer comment is recorded at Annex 2 (download as .doc file).

Officer Comments

13. The pelican crossing has generally been supported and once constructed would enhance pedestrian safety at a location where a pedestrian casualty accident history exists. The presence of the crossing and upgrading of street lighting should have a calming effect on traffic on Hempton Road at a location where concerns have been raised over traffic speeds. Whilst agreeing with the Parish Council that a chicane / build-out would be effective at further reducing traffic speeds on approach to the crossing, this would require additional funding and further consultation.
14. The Pelican crossing proposed has been designed with speed determination loops making it suitable for the 85^th percentile speeds of 35 and 36 mph. Advance signing warning of traffic signals ahead would be erected. In addition yellow backing boards may be added to the signs to highlight the presence of the speed limit and the existing red surfacing with dragons’ teeth carriageway markings refreshed.
15. The feasibility of an alternative location further eastward towards Deddington has also been investigated and discounted because it would not be on an established desire line for the Windmill Centre facilities and shop. A recent survey recorded 20 pedestrians crossing at this location during the peak hour (pm), the majority destined for the pre-school nursery. A Zebra crossing has been eliminated due to the approach speed of traffic exceeding the maximum recommended.

Financial and Staff Implications

16. The detailed design and construction costs of the proposed Pelican crossing are estimated at £61,000 and the scheme will be funded from the 2005/2006 Community Safety Budget. The work associated with the scheme can be managed within existing staffing levels.

RECOMMENDATIONS

17. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to approve the installation of a Pelican crossing as detailed in 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: Nil

Contact Officer: Andrew Johnson Tel: Oxford 815737

June 2005

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