Agenda item

This report discusses the possible reinstatement of a left-turn lane on the Water End approach to the Clifton Green signals, whilst retaining a dedicated cycle lane. The report also brings to the attention of the Executive Member responses to the proposal to take forward a chicane trial along Westminster Road and The Avenue.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees:

i)                    Option 3 to reject on safety and environmental grounds the left-turn traffic lane scheme proposals shown in Annex C and retain the current layout (i.e. as set out at Annex B of the officer report).

ii)                  That the chicane trial on Westminster Road should not be implemented.

REASON:                i) To balance the various advantages and disadvantages linked to the proposal, and achieve the best overall layout for this arm of the junction.

ii) As there is little support for the trial.

The Executive Member considered a report which discussed the possible reinstatement of a left-turn lane on the Water End approach to the Clifton Green signals, whilst retaining a dedicated cycle lane. He also gave consideration to responses received in respect of proposals to take forward a chicane trial along Westminster Road and The Avenue.

The Executive Member confirmed receipt of late representations, one from a local resident who stated that he had used all modes of transport in this area and supported of the retention of the present scheme. The second from the Labour Group Spokesperson who said he was willing in principle to see the left turn reinstated, but he supported the cycling groups concerns regarding possible conflicts and blocking of the suggested central cycle lane if the left-turn was reinstated. It was confirmed that he also supported a rising bollard type solution on Westminster Road/The Avenue.

Representations also in support of the retention of the existing scheme were received from a resident of Poppleton who regularly cycled along this route. He stated that he would not be in favour of the reinstatement of the left-turn lane as this would result in vehicles encroaching into the central cycle lane.

Representations were also received from a resident of Westminster Road who reiterated residents continuing concerns at the high volume of through traffic on Westminster Road/The Avenue to avoid the lengthy queues at Water End. He referred to the vehicle speeds and requested the Executive Member to support reconsultation on an alternative chicane trial using planters.

Cllr King referred to the poor response rate to the consultation undertaken by officers and to subsequent consultation undertaken by Ward members. He reported that this consultation had resulted in a clear majority of local residents in favour of the reinstatement of the left-hand lane which was consistent with the earlier petition.

Officers confirmed that it was difficult to comment on the consultation undertaken by the Local Members without viewing details of the survey.

In relation to the reinstatement of the left-turn traffic lane the Executive Member considered the following options:

Option 1 – Support the scheme proposals shown in Annex C for implementation;

Option 2 – Amend the scheme proposals Shown in Annex C for implementation;

Option 3  – Reject the scheme proposals shown in Annex C, and retain the current layout (i.e. Annex B).

In relation to the chicane trial the Executive Member considered the following options:

A.        To proceed with the chicane trial as proposed. This is not the recommended option because there is little support from local residents for such measures.

B.                 To re-consult on an alternative chicane trial. This is not the recommended option because there is little support from local residents for such measures and some of the concerns due to the likely inconvenience expressed in the recent consultation will be relocated to the revised chicane points.

C.                To not implement the trial. This is the preferred option.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees:

i)                    Option 3 to reject on safety and environmental grounds the left-turn traffic lane scheme proposals shown in Annex C and retain the current layout (i.e. as set out at Annex B of the officer report).

ii)                  That the chicane trial on Westminster Road should not be implemented. ^1.

REASON:                i) To balance the various advantages and disadvantages linked to the proposal, and achieve the best overall layout for this arm of the junction.

ii) As there is little support for the trial.

 [As amended at the City Strategy Executive Member Decision Session on

 4 January 2011.]