Return to Items for DecisionDelegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Transport –22 November 2007Statement of Decision
Abingdon Town Centre Improvements: Stert Street Traffic Regulation Order and East St Helen Street Contra-Flow Cycle Lane
Present:
Also in attendance:
Documentation considered:
A copy is attached to the signed copy of this decision.
Summary of representations in person
Councillor Legge expressed her anger insofar as the whole town centre of Abingdon had been at a standstill that morning. She considered the only real alternative to be the contraflow option in East St Helen Street because it was part of the SUSTRANS route. There was no route for cyclists through the town centre and in that regard Abits had failed to deliver on improvements for cyclists. It was vital to provide residents parking in the town centre.
Councillor Michael Badcock advised that he understood that there had been no formal consultation with the Town Council and that English Heritage had concerns regarding signage. There were a couple of blind spots and he considered that putting in cycle lanes now could be dangerous. He also tabled a letter from Councillor Marilyn Badcock which endorsed those points.
Mr Howell advised that there had been no formal consultation on the cycle lane yet. Mr Collins confirmed only informal consultation had been carried out.
Miss Clegg reported the detail of two further comments which had been received in relation to the cycle lane. An officer précis of those comments is attached to this statement of decisions. The first did not support proposals for the contra-flow cycle lane and referred to a substantial drop in cycling and the fact that cycle flows in the area should be considered holistically and to heritage lottery funding for Abingdon museum. The second supported the proposal and referred to the advantages outweighing the concerns.
Cabinet Member’s Comments
Councillor Hudspeth noted the concerns expressed by local members and the need for formal consultation on the contra-flow cycle lane proposal.
Decision
Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before me, the representations made to me and the further considerations set out above, I confirm my decisions on this matter as follows:
(a) authorise the making and implementation of the amended traffic regulation orders for loading/unloading and the provision of loading bays and disabled persons parking places in Stert Street and Broad Street, Abingdon as advertised and shown on drawing No. D&1/A3/0001; and
(b) authorise officers to take forward the design as shown in Annex 2 to the report CMDT8 and to investigate the acquisition of land required to implement the scheme by negotiation or if necessary by compulsory purchase.
Signed ...................................................................... Cabinet Member for Transport
Date ………………………2007
|
||||||||||