Forward Plan Ref: 2020/008

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE8).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a humped zebra crossing and revised traffic calming feature comprising a symmetrical build-out with cycle bypasses in both directions, the latter feature replacing an existing traffic calming build-out put forward as a result of the development of land adjacent to the Didcot Road at Long Wittenham.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed introduction of a humped zebra crossing and revised traffic calming measures as advertised.

Approved

Officers asked to investigate possible amendments to the scheme to support traffic calming in the village.

The Leader of the Council considered (CMDE8) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a humped zebra crossing and revised traffic calming feature comprising a symmetrical build-out with cycle bypasses in both directions, the latter feature to replace an existing traffic calming build-out put forward as a result of the development of land adjacent to the Didcot Road at Long Wittenham.

Ron Carter a Local Resident of 50 years supported the pedestrian crossing element of the scheme but considered that the traffic calming element needed further investigation as traffic exiting Saxons Heath and Westfield Road had great difficulty getting onto Didcot Road due to the increase of vehicles coming from Didcot and, with Didcot growing at an alarming rate, that would only get worse. Therefore, he was suggesting that the traffic calming scheme be moved to the South side of the Saxons Heath turn by about 50 metres and then to put in speed humps between that and the pedestrian crossing thereby slowing traffic down to a more acceptable speed on Didcot Road.  Conversely moving the traffic calming scheme 50 metres north of the existing position would cause untold problems for the residents of nos 1- 6 Saxons Heath and for a number of senior citizens living there, crossing the road to a bus stop on the opposite side of the road would be difficult.  Moving the traffic calming scheme to the south would allow the residents of Didcot Road easier access to their properties and benefit the village to a greater degree than the scheme currently proposed.

Officers advised that other options had been considered but the conclusion reached was that the scheme as currently proposed presented the best solution avoiding, for example, a long straight length of road between the traffic feature and the sharp bend leading into the village.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged that scheme was required as part of a planning obligation but, being aware of the road environment, asked officers to investigate whether amendments could be made to increase traffic calming benefits in the village.  Therefore, having regard to the information set out in the report before him and the representations made to him at the meeting  confirmed his decision as follows:

to approve the proposed introduction of a humped zebra crossing and revised traffic calming measures on Didcot Road at Long Wittenhamas advertised.

Signed……………………………………..

Leader of the Council

Date of signing……………………………