Agenda item

This report presents information to show how the University Road scheme is currently operating, and outlines a number of proposed enhancements. 

Resolved:  (i)      That the following additions to the scheme be

                             approved subject to a six month trial:

·        Two extra pairs of speed cushions with central islands, as shown in Annex B of the report, to make the 20mph Zone more effective.

·        A new crossing refuge located at the speed table near the bus stops, as shown in Annex C of the report, to increase pedestrian safety in the busiest crossing location.

(ii)      That it be noted that officers are currently working with the University to encourage greater use of the new cycle path.  This involves installing various additional direction signs, plus extra signs and markings at all the entry points to make the status of the path more obvious, and publicising the facility to students.

(iii)     That the Executive Member confirmed acceptance of the University’s view that the provision of an additional set of steps to the footbridge on the Market Square side of University Road is unnecessary, and noted the University’s financial contribution to the scheme.

Reasons:   (i)      The additional measures will improve the

safety of all road users, in particular university students crossing University Road, and encourage greater use of the new cycle route.

                   (ii)      It is considered that the provision of additional

                             steps to the Library footbridge is not necessary.

(iii)     The University has offered to contribute extra funding to improve the scheme.

The Executive Member considered a report on the University Road pedestrian crossing and cycle route scheme which detailed how the scheme was currently operating and which outlined a number of proposed enhancements.

The Executive Member considered the following options:

·        Option 1:    Approve the scheme additions (extra speed cushions and central refuge) as shown in Annexes B and C.

·        Option 2:    Reject the proposed scheme amendments and retain the existing layout.

The Executive Member questioned officers as to whether it would be feasible to implement some of the measures but delay installing other measures such as the speed cushions.  Officers stated that they did not recommend this strategy as it was important to reduce the distance between the measures.  Physical measures were the most effective strategy to reduce speed and had been included in the original consultation. 

The Executive Member sought clarification regarding the lay-by that was used by the university.  Officers confirmed that the lay-by was used as a servicing point by the university and the university would be likely to be opposed to losing that facility.  Bus companies were reluctant to use lay-bys as it was difficult for buses then to re-enter the traffic flow.

Officers were asked if equalities duties had been addressed.  They stated that the proposals did not breach equalities requirements and they believed that the right balance had been achieved.

The Executive Member asked about the measures that would be in place to seek to ensure the safety of people getting off the buses.  Officers explained the crossing points and safe refuge that would be in place.

The Executive Member stated that he did have reservations about aspect of the scheme and had noted the issues that had been raised by the registered speakers.  Nevertheless, in order to achieve the most effective results, he accepted that it was necessary to implement all of the additions to the scheme that had been detailed.  It was, however, important that the measures were reviewed to ascertain their effectiveness and that action taken should be reversible.

Resolved:  (i)      That the following additions to the scheme be

                             approved subject to a six month trial:

·        Two extra pairs of speed cushions with central islands, as shown in Annex B of the report, to make the 20mph Zone more effective.

·        A new crossing refuge located at the speed table near the bus stops, as shown in Annex C of the report, to increase pedestrian safety in the busiest crossing location.

(ii)      That it be noted that officers are currently working with the University to encourage greater use of the new cycle path.  This involves installing various additional direction signs, plus extra signs and markings at all the entry points to make the status of the path more obvious, and publicising the facility to students.

(iii)     That the Executive Member confirmed acceptance of the University’s view that the provision of an additional set of steps to the footbridge on the Market Square side of University Road is unnecessary, and noted the University’s financial contribution to the scheme.

Reasons:   (i)      The additional measures will improve the

safety of all road users, in particular university students crossing University Road, and encourage greater use of the new cycle route.

                   (ii)      It is considered that the provision of additional

                             steps to the Library footbridge is not necessary.

(iii)     The University has offered to contribute extra funding to improve the scheme.