Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/181

Contact: Cathy Champion, Infrastructure Locality Lead South Vale, 07920 084256

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM9).

Following consideration at the Cabinet Member – Highways Management Decisions meeting on 26 May 2022 of a proposal to introduce a ‘Bus Gate’ restriction on Elder Way (eastern access to Crab Hill) between the junctions with the A417 Reading Road & Appletons (the first side road within the estate), it was agreed to DEFER implementation of the proposals to allow further consideration to be given to how the proposals might be aligned with the wider development issues, including coherent active travel links between the development and the town centre.  The report provides details of the above proposal.

The Cabinet Member for the Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve implementation of the proposed ‘Bus Gate’ restriction on Elder Way (eastern access to Crab Hill) between the junctions with the A417 Reading Road & Appletons, and associated turning prohibitions for vehicles travelling on the A417 Reading Road to prevent them from entering Elder Way, and then on Elder Way to prevent them accessing the A417.

The Cabinet Member for the Highway Management AGREED to approve implementation of the proposed ‘Bus Gate’ restriction on Elder Way (eastern access to Crab Hill) between the junctions with the A417 Reading Road & Appletons, and associated turning prohibitions for vehicles travelling on the A417 Reading Road to prevent them from entering Elder Way, and then on Elder Way to prevent them accessing the A417.

Following consideration at the Cabinet Member – Highways Management Decisions meeting on 26 May 2022 of a proposal to introduce a ‘Bus Gate’ restriction on Elder Way (eastern access to Crab Hill) between the junctions with the A417 Reading Road & Appletons (the first side road within the estate), it was agreed to DEFER implementation of the proposals to allow further consideration to be given to how the proposals might be aligned with the wider development issues, including coherent active travel links between the development and the town centre.

Cllr Gant read out the statement from Wantage Town Council where they asked for the decision to be deferred until such time as the Western End Link Road becomes completed and sufficient traffic data could be collected.

Cllr Gant commented that this was lengthy report with a number of comments on the proposal and felt that some of those who took part in the consultation may have not understood what was the aim of the proposed bus gate and turning restrictions.

Cllr Gant explained that the would help facilitate the safe movement of traffic, reduction of congestion, and provide appropriate priority for reliable bus services, increasing their attractiveness in journey time terms over the private car.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member for the Highway Management AGREED to approve implementation of the proposed ‘Bus Gate’ restriction on Elder Way (eastern access to Crab Hill) between the junctions with the A417 Reading Road & Appletons and associated turning prohibitions for vehicles travelling on the A417 Reading Road to prevent them from entering Elder Way, and then on Elder Way to prevent them accessing the A417.