Agenda item

This report summarises the outcome of consultation undertaken on proposed cycle and pedestrian measures on Beckfield Lane aimed at promoting safe and sustainable travel to nearby schools, shops and other local facilities. Approval of a scheme for implementation is sought.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Advisory Panel be advised to consider the consultation feedback and advise the Executive Member to approve the proposals for Beckfield Lane as shown in Annex Bas the preferred package of measures for implementation. ^1.

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

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

REASON:            To provide further safe and sustainable facilities for cyclists and pedestrians on Beckfield Lane, which will complement the previously approved package of highway improvement measures in the area linked to the Manor School relocation.

Member considered a report, which summarised the outcome of consultations on proposed cycle and pedestrian measures on Beckfield Lane aimed at promoting safe and sustainable travel to nearby schools, shops and other local facilities.

Members were reminded that, at their September meeting approval in principle had been given to the long-term aim of introducing off-road cycle tracks along either side of Beckfield Lane over its full length. As a first priority, it had been agreed that Officers should bring forward detailed proposals for extending the proposed cycle track on the east side from Newlands Drive to Ostman Road for possible implementation in 2008/09.

Officers updated with the following information:

·        Carr Junior School had now confirmed their support for the siting of the zebra crossing on Beckfield Lane.

·        Receipt of a letter from Peter Pagliaro expressing support for the proposals from a Manor School pupil and York Access Group. Their only concern was that the zebra crossing should incorporate traffic control lights and audible warnings to give priority to pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles as well as dropped kerbs and raised surfaces (circulated at the meeting).

·        Receipt of two additional objections to the scheme, which reiterated concerns already raised.

·        Letter from the Local Member raising the concerns of local residents. These related to safety and a request was made for the cycle path to be an ‘On Road Cycle Lane’. In relation to existing flooding problems, residents feared that with the removal of verges this would increase and they requested the raising of kerbstones adjacent to their properties. Finally a request was made for a review of the positioning of the zebra crossing to ensure that it provided maximum benefit for all.

In answer to Members questions regarding the positioning of the zebra crossing, Officers confirmed that this had been positioned to gain maximum benefit for residents without the need to remove a number of mature trees or affect on street parking for the local shops. It was confirmed that the next phase of works on Beckfield Lane included the provision of a Toucan Crossing, south of Ostman Road in the vicinity of the shops, if funding was available.

Officers confirmed that works would include reprofiling the footpath to ensure that water was directed away from properties, the installation of a footway drainage system and where appropriate, reinstatement of the kerb check at vehicular dropped crossing which would significantly improve current drainage problems.

The Executive Member confirmed that there was urgency to this scheme to provide a safe walking route for pedestrians on Beckfield Lane and pupils attending the new Manor School. He also confirmed that the drainage issues would be taken on board by Officers and that details of the proposals for Beckfield Lane, to be undertaken in the next financial year, would be circulated to Members for their information.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

Option One – implement the proposals as shown in Annex B;

Option Two – make any changes to the proposals that Members consider  necessary;

Option Three – no pedestrian or cycle improvement measures to be implemented.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to approve the proposals for Beckfield Lane as shown in Annex Bas the preferred package of measures for implementation. ^1.

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

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

REASON:            To provide further safe and sustainable facilities for cyclists and pedestrians on Beckfield Lane, which will complement the previously approved package of highway improvement measures in the area, linked to the Manor School relocation.