For
the Decision
The
introduction of a One-Way Street restriction will allow the widening of the
footway on part of the eastern side of Station Road (Higher) to increase
pedestrian safety and hope to encourage a modal shift. Cllr Belinda Ridout felt
the Committee had been given a comprehensive presentation which was part of the
Gillingham growth project to improve Gillingham. It was part of a much wider
scheme of improvements and did not remove any car parking. There had been a lot
of work on public engagement and all the main consultees were in agreement.
Alternative
Options considered and rejected
A
full consultation exercise was carried out. Allowing bicycles to continue to
use Station Road (Higher) in both directions was considered as part of the
scheme design however the road is
already very narrow.
In
order to improve the pedestrian environment, the scheme proposes to widen the
footway on the eastern side by reducing the carriageway to one-way. A
contra-flow (i.e.two-way) cycle lane would necessitate
making one of the footways narrower than they are currently, and they are both
already sub-standard – pushchairs and mobility scooters already struggle. The
running carriageway width would be 3.5m, which is wide enough for buses or a
fire
engine,
but not wide enough to make it feel open. The scheme designer was extremely
concerned about the safety of cyclists if they were permitted to use Station
Road as a contra-flow – there is potential conflict with
large
vehicles, parked cars, side accesses and narrow footways.
Budget
Implications
The
cost estimate for the proposed One-Way Street restriction on Station Road
(Higher) and widening of the footway to improve the pedestrian environment is
approximately £120,000. The costs associated with the proposals will be met
from the Dorset LEP funding.
Legal
Implications – None
Any
Conflict of Interest – None
Northern
Area Planning Committee:
Decision
That
having considered the representations received in response to public
advertisement and the officers report, that the Portfolio Holder be recommended
to implement the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 03/07/2020
Decision due: 14 May 2020 by Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment
Lead member: Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment
Lead director: Executive Director, Place
Contact: Emma Baker, Project Team Manager Email: emma.baker@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
Consultees
Cllr
Walsh
Cllr
Ridout
Cllr
Pothecary
Gillingham
Town Council
Dorset
Police
Local
Bus Companies
Local
Taxi Companies
Public
consultation (site notices, press notice and
advertisement on Dorset Council website)