Agenda item - Vogue Gyratory Improvements

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

1.                  That the committee notes the results of the 2012 public consultation reported at the Transport Committee meeting on 2^nd October 2012 and approves the revised improvements to the Vogue Gyratory.

2.                  That committee authorises officers to proceed with advertising the formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for changes to the Vogue Gyratory.  Should any objections be raised then they will be heard at a future meeting of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee where final approval would need to be given to proceed with implementation.     

72.1         The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing that outlined revised proposals for the improvements to the Vogue Gyratory that formed part of the Lewes Road Improvement Scheme. The Principal Transport Planner stated that design work had been carried out in conjunction with a key stakeholder advisory group comprising of cyclists, bus users, bus companies and car users.

72.2         The Chair expressed his gratitude to the Principal Transport Planner; Robin Reed, who would be moving to the private sector in the near future. The Chair stated that Robin had made a tremendous impact on transport and infrastructure in the city and his expertise would be greatly missed.

72.3         Councillor Mitchell stated her thanks to Robin Reed and wished him well in future pursuits. Councillor Mitchell asked if the northbound left turn up Hollingdean Road was deemed safe when it cut across a cycle lane and regarding access to Bear Road arriving eastward from Hollingdean Road as there was no legible turn.

72.4         The Principal Transport Planner explained that the problem of turns going across cycle lanes was an established problem across the city and the country. He explained that the original proposals had separate phased signalling however, modelling had demonstrated that this would cause significant delays for other users. It was therefore intended to use thorough and careful design to minimise the conflict including using bright colours and markings on the road and methods to ensure that cyclists were in clear view of other roads users using the left turn. With regard to access to Bear Road via Hollingdean Road, the Principal Transport Planner stated that there would be a lane marked and clear markings would be used to make it as visible as possible.

72.5         Councillor Wealls asked if any discussions had taken place with the businesses currently occupying the Gyratory about possible re-location.

72.6         The Principal Transport Planner confirmed that discussions had taken place although it was clear that those businesses did not wish to give up the location, particularly the petrol station. Furthermore, he understood other developers had identified the area meaning there would be competition for the location should it become available.

72.7         Councillor Robins stated his concern for cyclists safety regarding the left turn into Hollingdean Road across the cycle lane. Councillor Robins asked if there was any other possible design to eradicate the risk of accidents.

72.8         The Principal Transport Planner stated that the speed limit on the road was currently 20mph meaning traffic in the area was relatively slow and reduced the risk of serious injury should an accident occur. Furthermore, the design would focus on high visibility to ensure the conflict was minimised. In addition, the Principal Transport Planner stated that the existing design had potential conflict for cyclists across the Gyratory. The proposals would minismise that area of conflict from around 200-300 metres to the left turn on to Hollingdean Road which was around 30 metres.

72.9         Councillor Davey stated that the Vogue Gyratory had been a problem for many, many years adding that he believed the proposals represented the best option in very difficult circumstances, particularly for northward journeys. Councillor Davey stated that the left hook turning was not uncommon but needed to be made as safe as possible. Councillor Davey welcomed the installation of a new bus stop, improved access for pedestrians and for car drivers as the proposals would make the Gyratory easier to navigate. Councillor Davey expressed his gratitude to officers for finding a solution to a decades old problem.

72.10     Councillor Cox stated his agreement with Councillor Davey that there were definite positive aspects to the proposals. Councillor Cox added that he had concerns for the left hook turn across the cycle path and the turn into Sainsbury’s used by refuse and delivery vehicles. Councillor Cox supplemented that he had recently cycled through the Gyratory and had found it very unsafe. Councillor Cox recognised that the proposals represented the best option but requested that, if approved, the scheme be monitored very carefully.

72.11     Councillor Daniel welcomed the improvements the proposals and the benefit it would bring for pedestrian access. Councillor Daniel asked if any consideration had been given to merging the cycle path at the left turn to Hollingdean Road with the pedestrian crossing located at the turn.

72.12     The Principal Transport Planner explained that such measures were considered but were not taken forward due to the risk that the type of cyclist using the lane would disregard a longer route and join the carriageway causing safety concerns for car users, buses and themselves.

72.13     RESOLVED-  

1.                  That the Committee notes the results of the 2012 public consultation reported at the Transport Committee meeting on 2^nd October 2012 and approves the revised improvements to the Vogue Gyratory.

2.                  That Committee authorises officers to proceed with advertising the formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for changes to the Vogue Gyratory.  Should any objections be raised then they will be heard at a future meeting of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee where final approval would need to be given to proceed with implementation.