Contact: Adrian Gray, ext 6892 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report describes the proposal to install new pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities at the traffic signal junction of Castle Lane with Templars Way in Chandlers Ford (location plan attached).

2. Details of the Proposal

2.1 It is proposed to provide pedestrian and cycle facilities within the operation of the existing traffic signals at the junction of Castle Lane with Templars Way and Raglan Close in Chandlers Ford. New puffin pedestrian crossings would be provided across Castle Lane and the eastern side of Templars Way. New Toucan, shared pedestrian/cycle crossings would be provided across Raglan Close and the western side of Templars Way. The crossings will operate concurrently in a single, vehicle all-red stage.

2.2 The Puffin pedestrian and Toucan crossings will use nearside pedestrian indicators, rather than the more familiar far side signals, and will use on-crossing detection to vary the duration of the crossing period appropriately to reflect the different requirements of cyclists and elderly or infirm pedestrians. On-crossing detection makes the crossing as efficient as possible, and ensures other road users are not delayed unnecessarily.

2.3 Red, blister tactile paving will be provided to guide visually impaired pedestrians to the crossing points. Rotating tactile cones and an audible signal will advise visually and hearing impaired pedestrians of the operation of the pedestrian crossing.

2.4 The existing pedestrian refuge on the western side of Templars Way will be removed, and replaced with a single, smaller traffic island. The pedestrian refuges on Castle Lane and the eastern side of Templars Way will be altered to provide a wider crossing between the two traffic islands. The existing, buff coloured blister tactile paving in the refuge will be removed. Puffin pedestrian crossing and toucan crossings are designed to be crossed in a single movement, with the duration of the crossing period extended by on-crossing detection. Removing the tactile paving in the refuge will discourage pedestrians crossing in two halves.

2.5 The introduction of a controlled crossing, which will operate during a vehicle all-red period, will add further delay for other road users at this busy junction. The latest technology would be utilised to minimise this delay, but longer queues will exist as a consequence of providing pedestrian crossings facilities here.

3. The Wider Transport Policy

3.1 The scheme provides controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings, and utilises on-crossing detection to minimise delay for other road users. Both of these facilities help meet the County Council's objective of reducing the environmental impact of transport.

3.2 The proposal meets the aspirations for cycle provision in this location, as published in the Cycle Strategy and Network produced by Test Valley Borough Council in July 2003, and will connect the existing, off-road cycle route on Castle Lane with cycle routes in Knightwood and beyond into Chandlers Ford and Eastleigh. This route has been identified as part of the National Cycle Network (Route 24), providing a link between Eastleigh and Romsey.

3.3 The scheme is not currently included in the 2004/05 Capital Programme, but may be introduced as an externally funded scheme following consolidation of developer contributions for Knightwood, and could be implemented in 2004/05 subject to approval by the Executive Member for Environment.

4. Description of the Public Consultation

4.1 No specific public consultation has been undertaken for this scheme, which alters an existing junction with only minor civil engineering works.

5. Conclusion

5.1 It would be possible to install new pedestrian and cycle crossings at the junction of Castle Lane with Templars Way in Chandlers Ford, which would connect existing cycle routes in the area and support the local cycle strategy developed by Test Valley Borough Council.

5.2 The new crossings would increase delay, but as far as possible this would be minimised by the use of the latest technology.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

8718/AG