Agenda item

This report advises the Executive Member of the results of further investigations into the possible installation of traffic signals at the junction of Bootham/St Mary’s/Bootham Park to provide a priority crossing over Bootham for cyclists.

The Executive Member considered the following options:

·           Option One – progress the “parallel” crossing scheme proposal shown in Annex D through more detailed design and public consultation.

·           Option Two – develop one of the alternative scheme options in Annex C in preference to the parallel crossing.

·           Option Three – abandon plans to provide an improved cycle crossing facility at this location.

RESOLVED:      That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees to-

i) Note  the officer advice that the main problems, associated with the previous full junction signalisation proposal detailed in paragraphs 5 and 6, are that the:

o        The necessary listed building and planning consents to alter the Bootham Park Hospital entrance gates are unlikely to be obtained;

o        The high estimated cost for this option brings into question whether the scheme provides good value for money and could be justified.

ii) In-principle approval for the alternative option shown in Annex D of the officer report. This involves the installation of a signal controlled ‘parallel crossing’ for both pedestrians and cyclists at a location between the existing pelican and the entrance to Bootham Park Hospital.

iii) Authorise Officers to undertake further detailed design, and public consultation, on the scheme shown in Annex D, with the outcome to be reported to a future Decision Session meeting for a decision on implementing the scheme.

REASON: Officers consider that these proposals will provide significant improvements for cyclists, as they address 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 the Executive Member of the results of further investigations into the possible installation of traffic signals at the junction of Bootham/St Mary’s/Bootham Park Hospital to provide a priority crossing over Bootham for cyclists. The report highlighted problems with the previous proposal to fully signalise all traffic movements at the junction and detailed the alternative solutions that had been explored.

The Executive Member confirmed that no additional comments or representations had been received on these proposals. He acknowledged that, partly for aesthetic reasons and partly because of costs, the original more extensive signalisation scheme had not found to be practical. He confirmed that the ‘parallel’ crossing scheme appeared to have more general support and provided an option for less confident cyclists.

The Executive Member considered the following options:

·        Option One – progress the “parallel” crossing scheme proposal shown in Annex D through more detailed design and public consultation.

·        Option Two – develop one of the alternative scheme options in Annex C in preference to the parallel crossing.

·        Option Three – abandon plans to provide an improved cycle crossing facility at this location.

RESOLVED:                       That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees to:

i) Note the officer advice that the main problems, associated with the previous full junction signalisation proposal detailed in paragraphs 5 and 6, are that the:

o        Necessary listed building and planning consents to alter the Bootham Park Hospital entrance gates are unlikely to be obtained;

o        High estimated cost for this option brings into question whether the scheme provides good value for money and could be justified.

ii) In-principle approval for the alternative option shown in Annex Dof the officer report. This involves the installation of a signal controlled ‘parallel crossing’ for both pedestrians and cyclists at a location between the existing pelican and the entrance to Bootham Park Hospital.

iii) Authorise Officers to undertake further detailed design, and public consultation, on the scheme shown in Annex D, with the outcome to be reported to a future Decision Session meeting for a decision on implementing the scheme. ^1.

REASON: Officers consider that these proposals will provide significant improvements for cyclists, as they address 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.