Agenda item

This report provides the results of the consultation and proposed responses to the planned improvements to the highway network for the Poppleton Bar and Askham Bar Park & Ride sites. It also updates the Cabinet Member on the changes which have been made to address issues identified during the outline design period.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member for City Strategy:

i.     Noted the comments raised by the public, Councillors and interested organisations.

ii.    Noted the Officer’s response to the comments and the proposed amendments to the designs.

iii.   Approved the further design development of the schemes in line with the amended layouts included in Annex 4 of the report to enable the project to be tendered in Summer/Autumn 2012 and be constructed in 2012/14.

iv.  Approved the further review of speed limits on the A59 and authorised the advertising of Traffic Regulation Orders if required.

v.   Approved the further investigation of traffic issues in Poppleton associated with the construction of the highway works and completed scheme to enable measures to be ready for introduction at the start of construction or as required during the works. Proposals to be presented in a further report to the Cabinet Member prior to the start of construction.

vi.  Noted the comments made by the registered speakers in attendance at the decision session.

vii.Requested that a report detailing the outcome of the Stage 2 Safety Audit be brought to a Cabinet Member in consultation with Officers session for consideration and to ensure that it is available for residents.

REASON:  To implement the Access York Phase 1: Park and Ride sites which will bring road congestion, sustainable travel and environmental benefits across the city.

The Cabinet Member for City Strategy considered a report which provided the results of the consultation and proposed responses to the planned improvements to the highway network for the Poppleton Bar and Askham Bar Park and Ride sites. It also provided an update in he changes that have been made to address issues identified during the outline design period. The report recommended that the amended scheme layouts should be approved to enable the scheme to be tendered in the summer/autumn of 2012.

The consultation leaflets and layout drawings were attached at annexes 1 and 2 of the report.

The Cabinet Member invited Officers to respond to the safety concerns and points raised by the registered speakers. They made the following comments:

·        The stage 1 safety audit in 2008 was carried out with the same diameter roundabout as exists today. The Halcrow team which carried out the audit were from another Office that had not been involved with the scheme. Officers were satisfied the audit had been carried out legitimately.

·        The stage 2 audit will be on the amended design and will include Cinder Lane.

·        Manual for Streets are later guidelines based upon up to date research.

·        The site is constrained due to the availability of land which restricts how far the roundabout diameter can be extended.

·        More approach lanes are required to increase capacity and to enable traffic to cross the roundabout in line with the aims of Access York.

·        Stopping distances are currently affected by vegetation. The intention is to meet 70 metres and increase to 100 metres.

·        In response to the request for a 30mph limit, this wouldn’t be in line with national guidelines and the Police do not support it either.

The Director for City Strategy assured those present that the stage 2 safety audit is an onerous process that will thoroughly check safety at the design stage.

In response to queries from the Cabinet Member, Officers confirmed that an environment will be created that will encourage speed reduction.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the concerns of residents and requested that a report is brought back to him outlining the outcome of the stage 2 safety audit and that Officers should ensure that it is made available to residents.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member for City Strategy:

i.     Noted the comments raised by the public, Councillors and interested organisations.

ii.    Noted the Officer’s response to the comments and the proposed amendments to the designs.

iii.   Approved the further design development of the schemes in line with the amended layouts included in Annex 4 of the report to enable the project to be tendered in Summer/Autumn 2012 and be constructed in 2012/14.

iv.  Approved the further review of speed limits on the A59 and authorised the advertising of Traffic Regulation Orders if required.

v.   Approved the further investigation of traffic issues in Poppleton associated with the construction of the highway works and completed scheme to enable measures to be ready for introduction at the start of construction or as required during the works. Proposals to be presented in a further report to the Cabinet Member prior to the start of construction.

vi.  Noted the comments made by the registered speakers in attendance at the decision session.

vii.Requested that a report detailing the outcome of the Stage 2 Safety Audit be brought to the Cabinet Member to a in consultation with Officers session for consideration and to ensure that it is available for residents.

REASON:  To implement the Access York Phase 1: Park and Ride sites which will bring road congestion, sustainable travel and environmental benefits across the city.