Agenda item

This report advises Members about the results of consultation on proposals to install traffic signals at the junction of Bootham, St Mary’s and the entrance to Bootham Park Hospital to provide priority crossing for cyclists across Bootham.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Advisory Panel advise the Executive Member to;

(i)                 Give in principle approval for the amended scheme proposals shown in Annex C (circulated at the meeting) to be implemented, subject to the necessary planning and listed building consents being secured and

(ii)               Give delegated authority to the Director of City Strategy, in consultation with the Executive Member, to approve the detailed scheme layout for implementation within the 2009/10 financial year, subject to the necessary funding being allocated. ^1.

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:       Officers consider that these amended proposals will provide significant improvements for cyclists, as this addresses a difficult crossing point over a major road on a strategic cycle route. The proposed measures would also make a significant contribution towards the aims of the Council as a Cycling City.

Consideration was given to a report, which advised Members of consultation undertaken on proposals to install traffic signals at the junction of Bootham, St Mary’s and the entrance to Bootham Park Hospital (known as ‘The Drive’) to provide priority crossing for cyclists across Bootham.

It was reported that the aim was to provide a signalised crossing facility for cyclists across the busy A19 Bootham to resolve difficulties currently being experienced by cyclists in the area.

Concerns had been expressed by York and Bootham Hospitals regarding the visibility of the signals and their visual impact in close proximity to a listed building. They had also raised concerns regarding the safety of pedestrians on Bootham due to vehicles emerging from ‘The Drive’.

Officers circulated an update at the meeting covering the following points:

·        Since the report had been prepared a road safety audit had been carried out on the proposals and further meetings held with the Police and representatives of York and Bootham Hospitals;

·        Officers had formulated scheme enhancements to address the issues raised, details of which were circulated at the meeting. These included the widening and setting back of the gateway to ‘The Drive’, amending the entrance to ‘The Drive’ to make it look more like a side road and the provision of additional warning signs and road markings to alert drivers.

·        The Arboricultural Officer had raised concerns regarding difficulties of siting signal poles near to trees and their root systems. Officers confirmed that they would seek to minimise any adverse effects on the trees concerned.

·        In light of the proposed changes to the scheme, the recommendation was amended to give approval in principle to the amended scheme (circulated at the meeting), subject to the necessary planning and listed building consents and to give delegated authority to the Director of City Strategy, in consultation with the Executive Member to approve the detailed scheme layout within the 2009/10 financial year subject to the necessary funding.

·        York Hospital Trust had now confirmed that they were satisfied that the amended scheme would not cause problems for staff exiting their site. They confirmed that the Trust greatly appreciated the efforts that Council Officers had made into making this scheme acceptable to staff and users of the Hospital.

Officers confirmed that the amended proposals would inevitably result in construction being delayed until the 2009/10 financial year. Therefore any approval would also be subject to the necessary finance being agreed by EMAP at a later date when the 2009/10 capital programme was considered.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Advisory Panel advise the Executive Member to;

(i)                 Give in principle approval for the amended scheme proposals shown in Annex C (circulated at the meeting) to be implemented, subject to the necessary planning and listed building consents being secured and

(ii)               Give delegated authority to the Director of City Strategy, in consultation with the Executive Member, to approve the detailed scheme layout for implementation within the 2009/10 financial year, subject to the necessary funding being allocated. ^1.

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:       Officers consider that these amended proposals will provide significant improvements for cyclists, as this addresses a difficult crossing point over a major road on a strategic cycle route. The proposed measures would also make a significant contribution towards the aims of the Council as a Cycling City.