Agenda item

This report is an update on progress with the development of proposals to improve the Fulford Road corridor and to seek a decision on a scheme for improvements to a section of Fulford Main Street to the Heslington Lane junction.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy:

i)                    Notes the contents of the report and its annexes.

ii)Agrees that Main Street (North) Option 3 as shown on Annex C should form the basis for the improvements to Fulford Main Street north of the Heslington Lane junction.

iii)Agrees that Heslington Lane Junction Option 2 as shown on Annex C should form the basis for the improvements to the Heslington Lane junction.

iv)                That officers use delegated powers to make any further minor changes to the layouts with the aim of satisfying, as far as possible, any outstanding concerns raised by members.

REASON:To improve conditions along this section of the corridor whilst addressing the concerns of Fulford Parish Council and local residents.

Consideration was given to a report which updated the Executive Member on progress with the development of proposals to improve the Fulford Road Corridor, in particular the section of Fulford Main Street to the north of Heslington Lane and Heslington Lane junction.

The Executive Member referred to further written representation he had received from:

• Councillor D’Agorne who generally supported the conclusions in the report but was concerned that there were no proposed time limits for waiting in the parking bays.  He had also raised concerns regarding the proposed pavement widening in front of 15-21 Main Street.  Whilst agreeing that the pavement needed widening at the corner of Heslington Lane, he believed that the rest was of adequate width and it would be better for a 1.5m wide cycle lane to be installed instead.
• Councillor Aspden supported the recommendations in the report but had been asked by the Parish Council to raise some questions with regards to the Fulford Park elements of the scheme prior to the meeting.  Officers had responded to the questions as follows:

-         It was the intention to retain the existing bus shelter pending further discussions regarding its possible refurbishment outside of the proposed improvement works and that the previous proposals for a new standard shelter at this location had been dropped.

-         The option to retain some parking on the western side near to Fulford Park would require a build-out to provide a suitable bus boarding point.  This was an essential feature of the proposed option in Annex C, unless the number of parking spaces to be provided was significantly reduced.

-         The narrowing at the entrance to Fulford Park had been reduced from that shown previously in view of local concerns.  The Council was keen to reduce the pedestrian crossing distance in view of concerns about the existing arrangements raised in an initial road safety audit, whilst taking account of the concerns about vehicle ingress and egress.  It was suggested that the proposed new kerb line be set out and discussed with Councillor Aspden prior to implementation.  Network Management had also indicated that they would consider a localised section of waiting restriction on Fulford Park near the junction if parked vehicles were making it difficult to get in and out.

Bryn Bircher, Main Street resident, spoke in support of Option 3. He stated that cycling had become easier since the route had been introduced and he looked forward to its extension.  The village was unique in that it was close to York but had a rural character.  It was therefore important that the improvements were also in keeping with the conservation area. 

Paul Hepworth, representing Cycling Touring Group, stated that continuity in cycle lane provision would encourage people to cycle rather than use a car.  He requested that although residents would like to see the parking bays retained this should not be at the expense of continuity in routes.

Verna Campbell, Chair of Fulford Parish Council, stated that the Parish Council was generally in favour of Option 3 but had two concerns:

• The build out of the bus stop would be detrimental to the conservation area.  The buses were often there a long time, particularly at school leaving time.
• There was no need for the footpath to be widened and it would be preferable to have two lanes of traffic.

Councillor Aspden, Ward Councillor, stated that he was broadly in support of the recommendations in the report but believed that the build-out and additional markings would detract from the area and that the funding for these would be better spent on an alternative scheme.

Councillor D’Agorne, Fishergate Ward Councillor, stated that he believed that the changes should be implemented in a financial year and urged that there be no undue delay to the Fishergate Gyratory scheme.   He was generally supportive of the officers’ recommendations. 

Officers showed plans illustrating the options outlined in the report. Responding to issues raised regarding the bus build-out, it was explained that if this were to be removed from the plans there would need to be sufficient space to enable buses to pull out and at least one parking space would be lost.   Councillor Aspden asked if there would be further discussions regarding the bus build-out.  The Executive Member suggested that Councillor Aspden discuss the matter with officers outside of the meeting, prior to the plans being finalised.

The Executive Member gave consideration to the following options:

Main Street (North)

Option 1 is to implement a scheme that replicates what is to be provided to the north and represents the ultimate transport option.  This scheme would be as shown on the plan at Annex A and involves an inbound bus lane and cycle lane; an outbound cycle lane; and a shared use off-road facility on the eastern side.  This would however result in the loss of all on-street parking and, as such, is strongly objected to by Fulford Parish Council and some Fulford residents.

Option 2 is to implement the scheme that formed part of the previous consultation and which is the scheme referred to in the previous City Strategy EMAP report.  This scheme would be as shown on the plan at Annex B.  It is similar to Option 1 except that the outbound cycle lane would be discontinuous to permit a section of limited time parking on the eastern side.  These parking spaces would not be available in peak periods, making it easier for cyclists to remain on-road without having to negotiate parked vehicles in heavy traffic flows.  Links would be provided to and from the off-road facility where the on-road cycle lane ends and restarts.  As noted in the previous EMAP report this option is also unacceptable to the parish council and some residents as they consider the proposed parking provision to be inadequate to serve local needs.

Option 3 is the option based on the outcome of the meeting with the parish council and concerned residents.  This scheme would be as shown on the plan at Annex C.  On the western (city-bound) side there would be parking for about 10 vehicles fronting Connaught Court with a cycle lane skirting the edge of the parking spaces, similar to the scheme in the vicinity of the local shops to the north of the Hospital Fields Road junction.  The bus lane would commence approximately at the boundary of Connaught Court / Sir John Hunt Homes, giving a 150m length of bus lane compared with the 220m in Options 1 and 2 above.

Heslington Lane junction

Option 1 is to implement the scheme that formed part of the previous consultation and which is the scheme referred to in the previous City Strategy EMAP report.  This scheme would be as shown on the plans at Annexes A and B.  The scheme involves replacing the existing two-lane approaches on Main Street outbound and on Heslington Lane with a single vehicle lane; a cycle lane; and an Advanced Stop Line (ASL) cycle box.  The straight ahead lane and right turn lane on the Main Street (South) approach would be retained but modified to also include a cycle lane and an ASL cycle box.  The existing staggered pedestrian crossing island on the Main Street (North) arm would be relocated to accommodate a city bound cycle lane through the junction and would be widened to provide a safer facility, in particular as this is on a key route to and from local primary and secondary schools.         

Option 2 is to implement an improvement scheme similar to Option 1 however the existing two-lane exit from Heslington Lane would be retained and the short section of proposed cycle lane deleted.  A cycle ASL box would be provided however there would be no specific facility to help cyclists to access the box.  This scheme would be as shown on the plan at Annex C.  Further consideration will need to be given to the safety of cyclists waiting to turn right (which is the main cycle movement) when the left turn filter signal is operating, noting that the left turn is the significantly higher vehicular movement.

Option 3 is to do nothing.  This provides no benefits to pedestrians or cyclists and is not recommended.

The Executive Member stated that this was an important project, which would ease congestion in the Fulford area giving priority to public transport and making travel conditions for cyclists and pedestrians quicker and safer.  It was important to measure the “before and after” effects of these improvements on those travelling on this corridor.  The Council would be looking for significant increases in those cycling and those using the park and ride service.  Local residents, the Parish Council and local members had actively engaged in helping to refine the scheme and he was pleased to give approval for implementation.  The Executive Member did, however, have some reservations about the need for the on-street cycle lane between 153-191, which duplicated the parallel off-street cycle path.  He suggested that this was reviewed, together with the outstanding details raised by Ward Members and that officers used their delegated authority to make any minor changes that may be considered necessary.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy:

i)                    Notes the contents of the report and its annexes.

ii)Agrees that Main Street (North) Option 3, as shown on Annex C, should form the basis for the improvements to Fulford Main Street north of the Heslington Lane junction.

iii)Agrees that Heslington Lane Junction Option 2, as shown on Annex C, should form the basis for the improvements to the Heslington Lane junction.

iv)                Requests that officers use delegated powers to make any further minor changes to the layouts with the aim of satisfying, as far as possible, any outstanding concerns raised by members¹.

REASON:To improve conditions along this section of the corridor whilst addressing the concerns of Fulford Parish Council and local residents.