Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/185

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704/Anthony Kirkwood Turner, Principal Officer Road Safety Team –Tel: 07393 318871

Report by Interim Corporate Director Communities (CMDE8).

Following provision of cycle bypasses in October/November 2020 at the two existing traffic calming build-outs in High Street, Long Wittenham complaints and comments have been received from cyclists that vehicles parking close to the build-out on the north side of the road have prevented cyclists from using the bypass.  While it had been hoped that drivers would refrain from parking too close to the build-out without the need for waiting restrictions that has not been the case and the need for the latter has, unfortunately, been confirmed by recent experience. Therefore, no waiting at any time restrictions of the minimum length required to ensure safe and convenient access to the bypass are now being proposed

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the waiting restrictions at Long Wittenham High Street as advertised.

Approved

Following provision of cycle bypasses in October/November 2020 at the two existing traffic calming build-outs in High Street, Long Wittenham complaints and comments had been received from cyclists that vehicles parking close to the build-out on the north side of the road had prevented cyclists from using the bypass.  While it had been hoped that drivers would refrain from parking too close to the build-out without the need for waiting restrictions that had not been the case and the need for the latter had, unfortunately, been confirmed by recent experience.

County Councillor Pete Sudbury confirmed that although there had been a problem the situation had improved with the areas concerned virtually always clear and therefore there were no safety issues.

Officers understood the comments from the parish council and while accepting that problems had diminished to some extent this was seen as a very limited and proportionate measure to remove any issues. The visual objection reaised regarding lining had been dealt with.

The Cabinet Member for Environment acknowledged the objections by Long Wittenham Parish Council and local member but as this formed part of the overall cycle network in this area and having regard to comments by officers regarding the limited nature of the scheme and the amendments made to reduce the visual impact of it she confirmed her decision as follows:

to approve the waiting restrictions at the existing traffic calming build-outs on Long Wittenham High Street as advertised.

Signed……………………………………….

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing……………………………..