Agenda item - Better Bus Areas - Results of Edward Street Public Consultation

Report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

1.                  That the Committee notes the results of the public consultation on the proposals for bus priority, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure improvements on Edward Street as part of the Department for Transport funded Better Bus Areas Programme.

2.                  That, having taken into account the responses received, the Committee

authorises officers to proceed with detailed design and advertising the formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the Edward Street Bus & Cycle lanes and any necessary waiting & loading restrictions.

3.                  That the Committee authorises officers to commence construction on elements of the scheme that are not dependant on the outcome of the TRO consultation process. This would include the introduction of additional controlled crossings at the junction of Edward Street with Upper Rock gardens and Egremont place, footway build outs at Tillstone and John Street and side road raised entry treatments involving some kerb realignment. This work would not be abortive should the overall scheme fail to materialise following the formal TRO consultation.

15.1         The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing that outlined the results of the recent public consultation on the proposals for Edward Street as part of the DfT funded Better Bus Areas Programme and proposed commencing the scheme.

15.2         Councillor Janio stated that he hoped the proposals would include contingencies should any problems arise regarding the positioning of loading bays.

15.3         The Principal Transport Planner clarified that officers would continue to liaise with stakeholders in the area and those discussions would inform the detail of the necessary TRO.

15.4         Councillor Hawtree welcomed the report proposals and improvements to the area which were much needed.

15.5         Councillor Robins stated that he travelled along Edward Street regularly and great caution should be taken regarding the location of loading bays as significant traffic issues may arise.

15.6         RESOLVED-

1.                  That the Committee notes the results of the public consultation on the proposals for bus priority, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure improvements on Edward Street as part of the Department for Transport funded Better Bus Areas Programme.

2.                  That, having taken into account the responses received, the Committee authorises officers to proceed with detailed design and advertising the formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the Edward Street Bus & Cycle lanes and any necessary waiting & loading restrictions.

3.                  That the Committee authorises officers to commence construction on elements of the scheme that are not dependant on the outcome of the TRO consultation process. This would include the introduction of additional controlled crossings at the junction of Edward Street with Upper Rock gardens and Egremont place, footway build outs at Tillstone and John Street and side road raised entry treatments involving some kerb realignment. This work would not be abortive should the overall scheme fail to materialise following the formal TRO consultation.