Agenda item

Forward Plan Ref: 2018/164

Contact: Hugh Potter, Team Leader – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Community Operations (CMDE4).

The report presents the outcomes of a consultation on proposals originally consulted on in 2016 for the Access to Headington project to introduce and amend various Traffic Regulation Orders and other traffic measures. This further consultation is required because the statutory two-year limit from the start of consultation to implement Traffic Regulation Orders has been exceeded due to delays with implementation of the project, but noting that much of the project had now been implemented.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposals as advertised. 

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE4) responses to a further consultation on proposals for the Access to Headington project to introduce and amend various Traffic Regulation Orders and other traffic measure.  This further consultation had been required because the statutory two-year limit from the start of the original consultation in 2016 had been exceeded due to delays with implementation of the project.

Derek Albiston a resident of Windmill Road asked for consideration to be given to an extension of the existing off-peak parking on Windmill Road.  The road was getting much busier and as an open straight road was susceptible to speeding traffic. Extending parking could help with traffic calming and alleviate the pressure for resident parking overnight. There was no provision for disabled parking ofrhealth visitors to park.

Responding to Mr Albiston the Cabinet Member pointed out that as there had been an objection from the Windmill Road Residents’ Group on the grounds of parking pressure it seemed to her that this could present an opportunity to reach a good compromise.

Mr Kirkwood agreed that it had been a difficult balance but nothing material had changed since 2016 and officers were of the view that the measures as proposed outweighed inconvenience to residents.  Any decision to extend restrictions would require further consultation but confirmed that the restrictions could be reviewed and that disabled drivers would be able to park on yellow lines but not health visitors.

Speaking on behalf of Cyclox Graham Smith considered that this had been a disappointing retrospective consultation with no opportunity offered to discuss or influence the proposals the design for which met neither the standards for cycle super routes or premium route network paths or county council policy. Provision for cyclists was inadequate and although cycle paths had smooth lengths it was uncomfortable and incoherent with steep ramps, slopes induced at paths and drives, ironwork in the surface particularly at the filling station at the bottom of Headley Way and insufficient dropped kerbs. Consultation plans had been inadequate and there was concern that there was no protected cycle route uphill on Headley Way with pedestrians having to share space on the steepest uphill section between Copse Lane and Bowness Avenue which was most unsatisfactory. There was also conflict at the JR Hospital access between people cycling straight on and cars turning left.

The Cabinet Member referred to the objection from Cyclox and the additional submission by Mr Smith and asked officers to respond.

Mr Kirkwood confirmed that while some adjustments had already been made to specific sites the safety audit would identify any other issues with the scheme on site which could then be addressed.

Pat Mulvihill confirmed that the Access to Headington scheme would finish in March 2020. An inspection would then be carried providing an opportunity to look at specific items raised with some resource available to address any issues.  He would take up the points raised by Mr Smith but confirmed that issues regarding shared space on Headley Way presented a challenge because of limited space. He had raised the issue of the JR access with the designers with a view to temporary signing being erected.

The Cabinet Member thanked officers for their response and suggested they continue to liaise with Cyclox and the designers to see what could be done to address any concerns and avoid any further delays.

Thanking officers for their work on this scheme and residents for their responses to it Councillor Roz Smith stated that very little had changed from the 2016 consultation. She then addressed a number of specific issues:

Windmill Road was a long straight road with speeding traffic and a 20mph limit would be welcomed by residents and Windmill school.  Parking was restricted and in view of the massive change in the levels of HMOs in the area and bearing in mind there had been no parking surveys carried out since 2016 there could be some merit in considering further changes as suggested by Mr Albiston along with a 20mph speed limit to address local concerns.

York Road – the additional parking places were not supported on safety grounds.

Margaret Road – a proposed parking place was sited adjacent to a resident’s drive at No 12 which would affect access to that property.

Windsor Street – a proposed parking place was sited over a fire hydrant.

Gardiner Street – this was a busy junction with a tight corner which because of the lack of space resulted in cars mounting the kerb.

Holyoake Road – a proposed parking place would obstruct the access to Linden Court.

Stile Road – the proposed parking places would impede access to 25 and 25A as well as the Co-op delivery lorry.

St Leonards Road – the proposed parking place would obstruct sight lines.

Headley Way – this presented a very difficult situation not helped by what was always a case of retro fitting.  Supporting the retention of as many trees as possible and the need to encourage cycling in the Headington area she considered that roundabouts should have been retained as traffic lights in certain areas were not helping the situation.

Mr Kirkwood confirmed that further consideration could be given to try and address some of the concerns raised regarding extra capacity for parking on side streets.

Councillor Sanders shared concerns regarding the increased levels of HMOs which he considered should be required to provide off-street parking for occupants.

Recognising the need to progress this scheme the Cabinet Member for Environment acknowledged that some issues could be considered further regarding parking on side roads including a further consultation for off-street parking on Windmill Road.  CPZs, however, were a policy matter. Regarding issues of design for cyclists she considered that those issues could be considered under the Stage 3 safety audit when completed with a report on that submitted to her at a future meeting.  Therefore, having regard to the information set out in the report before her along with the representations made to her at the meeting the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed her decision as follows:

(a)          approve the proposals as advertised;

(b)          further consideration be given to:

(i)            parking capacity on side roads;

(ii)          extending off-peak on-street parking on Windmill Road;

(iii)         provision of a right turn arrow on lights at bottom of Headley Way.

Signed……………………………………..

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing……………………………