Archived decisions

Contact: Rick Clayton, ext: 5026 e-mail: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report outlines the outcome of a consultation exercise undertaken during Spring 2003 regarding proposals for the Easton Lane corridor. The concepts presented for comment considered measures for cyclists and pedestrians and revised junction arrangements to improve traffic movements.

1.2 From the responses received, there was overall support for the measures to help cyclists and pedestrians. However, there were mixed views on the proposed junction improvements at Moorside Road.

1.3 This report recommends which elements of the proposals consulted should be progressed in light of the consultation, further investigation and the funding available for this scheme.

2. Outline of Proposals

2.1 The Wales Street/ Easton Lane corridor has a mixture of residential, retail and employment land uses, providing access for local people and providing a direct link with the M3 Motorway/A34(T) at Junction 9. Pedestrians and cyclists in the Easton Lane corridor experience difficulties resulting from the mixed land uses and through traffic.

2.2 A number of improvements are proposed to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, in particular, which include the following:

North Walls to Durngate Place

(i) link between existing cycle route on Park Avenue and Durngate Place - options to be investigated with land owners at Handy Villas, Winchester School of Art and Police Station;

(ii) footway widening to facilitate two-way cycle route outside of Police station, may require removal of on-street parking bays; and

(iii) re-align North Walls/Durngate Place junction to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Durngate Place/ Wales Street Area

(i) cyclists directed onto an on-carriageway signed cycle route - with improved road signing and surface markings for cyclists and to highlight awareness of their presence.

Easton Lane junction with Ebden Road

(i) advisory cycle uncontrolled crossing to link with Ebden Road cycle route.

Easton Lane between Ebden Road and Winnall Manor Road

(i) cyclists continue on the on-carriageway signed cycle route - off-carriageway option disadvantaged by number property/ commercial accesses.

Easton Lane between Winnall Manor Road and Moorside Road

(i) provide a toucan crossing on Easton Lane between Winnall Manor Road and Moorside Road; and

(ii) install a mini-roundabout at the Easton Lane/Moorside Road junction or alternatively install traffic signal control.

Easton Lane - between Moorside Road to M3 jct 9

(i) widen footway between the proposed toucan crossing and the Tesco roundabout on the south side of Easton Lane through to M3, junction 9 to provide off-carriageway cycle facility; and

(ii) install staggered barriers on the approaches to the subways beneath M3 junction 9.

Initial indications suggest that the cost of the above measures could total up to £250,000.

2.3 Those questioning when the proposals could be implemented were advised that, while some of the measures could be implemented in the shorter term, other measures, such as junction improvements would take longer and were dependent on funding arrangements.

3. Consultation Arrangements

3.1 Local County, City Council Members and key stakeholders were informed in advance of the proposals and consultation arrangements planned throughout the consultation period during March 2003.

3.2 All residential properties fronting Wales Street/ Easton Lane were leaflet dropped. This leaflet briefly explained the proposals with the aid of an outline map and invited comment (see Appendix). Furthermore all businesses within the Easton Lane corridor were sent a letter describing the proposals, consultation arrangements and invited to respond with their views by way of a printed questionnaire.

3.3 Two manned, public exhibitions were arranged during March 2003 so that individuals had the opportunity to express their views to Council Officers:

(i) Winchester School of Art, 4th March;

(ii) Powerhouse Entrance Lobby, 6th March.

3.4 Unmanned displays were also located at the County Council's Information Centre (Mottisfont Court) and at Winchester City Council Offices throughout the consultation period.

3.5 Questionnaires were made available so that people could express their views. In addition, information was made available on the County Council's web site and an electronic questionnaire facility was provided.

4. Outcome of Consultation

4.1 30 questionnaires were completed on paper and a further 71 electronically, a total of 101. A number of written responses were received in addition to the questionnaire responses.

4.2 Overall, there was general support for the measures proposed, particularly those to help cyclists and traffic movements. There were mixed views over the merits of proposed improvements at the Easton Lane junction with Moorside Road.

4.3 Table 1 summarises the questionnaire responses received.

Table 1

Responses to Easton Lane Corridor questionnaire (%)

(i) Do you support the proposals?

(ii) How do you use Easton Lane?

(iii) Do any of the following apply to you?

4.4 The responses indicate that approximately two thirds of respondents were drivers and that almost a half supported or mainly supported the proposals.

4.5 A wide range of views was received on elements of the proposals, issues affecting the Easton Lane corridor and wider transport issues. Many people took the opportunity to comment on the `further comments' section of the questionnaire whilst a number of people presented their views in letter form.

4.6 A number of comments were made regarding the following issues:

(i) introduction of traffic signals at Easton Lane/Moorside Road junction;

(ii) proposals will increase congestion;

(iii) public transport poor quality/too costly;

(iv) concerns for cyclists;

(vi) use of public funds;

(vii) phasing of traffic signals and unnecessary delays to traffic accessing and egress to motorway/ A34 junction;

(viii) scope of consultation exercise;

(ix) drainage, paving and maintenance;

(x) enforcement of speed restrictions;

(xi) air quality and vehicle emissions from stationary traffic;

(xii) concerns for pedestrians, cyclists on footways; and

(xiii) possible impact on the trees along Easton Lane.

4.7 A number of other suggestions were made including reducing congestion and the impact of traffic on businesses, traffic associated with schools and the timing of road works.

4.8 The Winchester Cycle Working Group has considered the proposals and produced the following proposals for Easton Lane Corridor:

(i) provide uphill cycle lane from Nickel Close to Erasmus Park;

(ii) provide crossing for outbound cyclists at or near junction with Moorside Road; and

(iii) upgrade existing footway for shared use from Moorside Road to Tesco.

4.9 Informal discussions with the representatives of the School of Art and the Police Station were undertaken to ascertain their views on providing a cycle route across their land between Park Avenue and Durngate Place. Subject to further involvement in the detailed design, agreement was reached on the principle and preferred route for this link.

5. Progressing the Proposals

5.1 The current indicative capital programme for 2004/05 shows an allocation of £36,000 external funding for improvements to the Easton Lane Corridor. The proposals consulted on are likely to cost up to £250,000 if all were to be implemented, therefore it is necessary to prioritise those elements that will achieve the greatest benefit.

5.2 The need for a two-way cycle link from the Park Avenue cycle route to Durngate Place via the Art School and Police Station has long been identified. In view of the recent positive discussions with these bodies it is recommended that this element of the proposals proceed to detailed design and be considered as a priority for implementation for the next financial year. This element would also include the re-alignment of the North Walls/Durngate Place junction to improve safety for cyclists and deter through traffic.

5.3 It may also be possible to implement an advisory signed cycle route on Easton Lane with an on-road uphill advisory cycle lane from Nickel Close to Erasmus Park. Improved signing and markings will provide linkages to the Ebden Road bridge cycle route and future aspirations for the Winnall Manor Road area.

5.4 The installation of a Toucan crossing and widening the existing footpath for an off-road cycle path from Moorside Road to Junction 9 requires further investigation on its feasibility, cost and the effects on the trees along the upper end of Easton Lane. Therefore this element of the scheme should be deferred until such a time as further funding is identified.

5.5 Further investigation has highlighted that the proposed improvements at the junction with Moorside Road are likely to be problematical, with blocking-back effects from the M3 Junction 9 likely to adversely impact on the operation of traffic signals or a mini-roundabout at this location. Therefore it is recommended that this element of the proposals no longer be considered.

6. Conclusions

6.1 Consultation on proposals for the Easton Lane corridor was undertaken in March 2003, with the involvement of local employers and other interested parties. Overall there was support for the proposals although a number of concerns were raised about elements. Further evaluation has taken place in the light of the responses received.

6.2 It is necessary to prioritise those elements of the proposals that will achieve the greatest benefit to take forward for implementation in 2005 and identify future funding for the remainder.

Recommendation

That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that proposals for selected schemes in the Easton Lane corridor are recommended for implementation.

8323/RC