Decision details

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.