Agenda item

This report presents scheme options to be considered as part of Blossom Street Multi Modal Study. The study was commissioned to investigate options for improving the Blossom Street, Queen Street, Micklegate, and Nunnery Lane junction and enhancing the streetscape of Blossom Street between this junction and its junction with Holgate Road.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member authorises the further development of the following aspects of the Officer report:

i)                    Options 1a and 1b;

ii)                  Arrangement to give westbound cyclists priority access through Micklegate Bar (para. 43 of the Officers report);

(iii)             Provision of alternative quiet routes for cyclists to avoid the Blossom Street junction including access through the Station car park to Holgate Road (paras. 40,41 and 42 of the Officer report);

(iv)              That representations be made to the Department of Transport that, recognising York’s pioneering role as a Cycling City, they agree to the trial introduction of an advanced cycle green traffic light phase of 10-15 seconds at this junction (para. 46 of the Officer report);

(v)                That the option of banning daytime loading within 30 metres of the Blossom Street junction be further evaluated;

(vi)              That the other proposals included in Options 2 – 4 and which involve the reduction in the number of traffic lanes, together with the proposals included in paragraphs 38,39 and 44, and including a “do nothing” option, be subject to public consultation through Your City and other channels. The consultation results to be reported to a future Executive Member Decision Session.

REASON:                  To enable officers to progress the scheme sufficiently to be able to present an option to be taken forward to detailed design for further consideration prior to construction.

The Executive Member considered a report that presented options to be considered as part of the Blossom Street Multi Modal Study.  The study was commissioned to investigate options for improving the Blossom Street / Queen Street / Micklegate / Nunnery Lane junction and enhancing the streetscape of Blossom Street between this junction and its junction with Holgate Road, with the aim of improving accessibility and safety for all road users, particularly pedestrians; cyclists; and public transport users.

Mr Sydes made representations as a resident of Dringhouses and as a regular cyclist on this route. He made the following points;

• Questioned why the narrow focus of the study had concentrated on the Blossom Street area as a wider solution he hoped would take in the Mount and Tadcaster Road;
• Encouraged the making of brave decisions to gain maximum benefit for cyclists;
• Disputed the need to pursue an alternate cycle route to avoid the Blossom Street junction as cyclist’s would prefer to have a direct through route at this point;
• Need to obtain a joined up approach.

Councillor Merrett confirmed his agreement with Mr Sydes comments. He stated that this was a difficult issue to address and that a wider view should be taken. He confirmed that he spoke on behalf of the 3 Ward Members and made points on the following issues:

• Queen Street crossing arrangements at Option 1a displaced the pedestrian crossing away from the desire line;
• Options 1a and 1b delivered virtually nothing and even in some cases disadvantages and were not value for money;
• Hoped for increased consultation in relation to any future proposals;
• Any partial closure of Micklegate Bar would require extensive consultation with local businesses and users.

The Executive Member gave consideration to the following options:

• Option 1 (as detailed in paragraphs 17-19 of the report)
• Option 2 (as detailed in paragraphs 20-22 of the report)
• Option 3 (as detailed in paragraphs 23-26 of the report)
• Option 4 (as detailed in paragraphs 27-29 of the report)

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member authorises the further development of the following aspects of the Officer report:

i)                    Options 1a and 1b;

ii)                  Arrangement to give westbound cyclists priority access through Micklegate Bar (para. 43 of the Officers report);

(iii)             Provision of alternative quiet routes for cyclists to avoid the Blossom Street junction including access through the Station car park to Holgate Road (paras. 40,41 and 42 of the Officer report); ^1.

(iv)              That representations be made to the Department of Transport that, recognising York’s pioneering role as a Cycling City, they agree to the trial introduction of an advanced cycle green traffic light phase of 10-15 seconds at this junction (para. 46 of the Officer report); ^2.

(v)                That the option of banning daytime loading within 30 metres of the Blossom Street junction be further evaluated; ^3.

(vi)              That the other proposals included in Options 2 – 4 and which involve the reduction in the number of traffic lanes, together with the proposals included in paragraphs 38,39 and 44, and including a “do nothing” option, be subject to public consultation through Your City and other channels. The consultation results to be reported to a future Executive Member Decision Session. ^4.

REASON:                  To enable officers to progress the scheme sufficiently to be able to present an option to be taken forward to detailed design for further consideration prior to construction.