Agenda item - A259: Walking, Cycling and Accessibility improvements

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)             That this Committee approve the A259 Active Travel Scheme- Walking, Cycling and Accessibility Improvementsdetailed design scheme as presented in Appendix 1.

2)             That the Committee authorises officers to commence the construction phase and to procure the Works Contract under the authority of the Executive Director.

88.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that outlined the results of the second round of consultation as requested at ETS Committee on the 21st July 2022 for the Tranche 2 Active Travel Funded A259 Walking, Cycling and Accessibility Improvement Scheme. The report also presented the detailed scheme design as informed by the consultation.

88.2      On behalf of the Conservative Group, Councillor Nemeth proposed the following motion to amend the recommendations:

2.1      That this Committee approve the elements of the A259 Active Travel Scheme - Walking, Cycling and Accessibility Improvements detailed design scheme as presented in Appendix 1 to the east of Hove Street andcalls for an officer report to be brought back to committee on the elements to the west as to how concerns over turning-points, crossings and integration with the Kingsway to the Sea project will be fully addressed.

88.3      Councillor Peltzer Dunn formally seconded the motion.

88.4      In response to questions from Councillor Peltzer Dunn, the Senior Project Manager explained that the long-term aspiration for the A259 was a separated space for cyclists and pedestrians. The Kingsway by the Sea project was an exciting scheme and officers were working collaboratively on linking both schemes. Officers were reviewing the current layout to seek additional space for right turns. Further, the road itself was underutilised through most of the day however, journey times were likely to increase at peak times as part of the changes.

88.5      The Chair then put the Conservative Group motion to the vote that failed.

88.6      The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote that were approved.

88.7      Resolved-

1)            That the Committee approve the A259 Active Travel Scheme- Walking, Cycling and Accessibility Improvementsdetailed design scheme as presented in Appendix 1.

2)            That the Committee authorises officers to commence the construction phase and to procure the Works Contract under the authority of the Executive Director.