To receive the above update.

The Head of Commissioning was unable to attend, therefore the Visitor Manager read out a statement from the Head of Commissioning regarding the update on the one-way system and increased traffic issues in Windsor which read:

“The one-way system around Thames Street; Thames Avenue and Datchet Road had now been made into a permanent scheme and works were substantially complete. Whilst there was not total support for the scheme, comments which were received during the ‘trial’ period had been understood and mitigated as far as possible. Future phases would improve the traffic signals and pedestrian crossings at Datchet Road when crossing from the Windsor Town bridge area into the Town Centre.

In addition, there was a broader project for Windsor to install permanent hostile vehicle mitigations which was being led by David Scott. That project had reviewed the current temporary measures which were to be replaced with permanent measures (For information: Cabinet were scheduled to receive a report on 27th September 2018 relating to the hostile vehicle mitigation).

In the context of the Thames Street area (around Theatre Royal) this would enable further improvements to the one-way scheme which would address some of the outstanding concerns (for example: minor modifications to the junction of River Street and Thames Avenue to reduce congestion from queuing traffic.

There had been long-standing discussions concerning the area around the Castle and improving conditions for pedestrians and visitors which included potential pedestrianisation or limiting access to certain vehicles for specific periods of the day, similar in nature to how the lower end of Peascod Street was managed. There was no agreed solution or funding to deliver those improvements but discussions were to be continued with Members; businesses and through other Forums to ensure that it remained on the agenda.

As the Forum would expect it was not an easy or simple ‘fix’ which suited all users (including pedestrians; business; taxi’s; deliveries and buses) and was deliverable, hence the ongoing discussions. The broader area would also be influenced by the installation of the permanent hostile vehicle measures which were scheduled to begin installation in Summer 2019.

David Scott, Head of Communities Enforcement and Partnerships, stated a Hostile Vehicle Measures (HVM) Report was scheduled to go to Cabinet. The project followed the deployment of temporary measures which had been modified twice since being installed following the attacks at Westminster. HVMs had been added to St Albans Street and Castle Hill was added following further attacks around Europe to provide safer areas for large groups queuing to enter the Castle.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) commissioned a feasibility study and the Borough had commissioned more detailed design work for the permanent measures. The measures could be used during busy periods, state and ceremonial events.

What had been learned from the design process was that some locations were very difficult to implement the measures due to what was underground in those locations. The integrated measures were serious engineering feats and more work was ongoing to achieve the level of safety desired. The Head of Communities Enforcement and Partnerships continued the market continued to evolve regarding the look of the gate style measures, while the integrated styles were much more sympathetic to the Windsor setting.

The Head of Communities Enforcement and Partnerships stated there would be a phased implementation of the HVMs. Phase one would cover the areas currently protected with some changes. The Theatre and River Street points were to be merged to just one HVM point. The Borough was also looking at using a different approach to Castle Hill and St Albans Street to alleviate the lack of space when visitors queued, as when there were queues for the Castle, people then walked in the road. There was more feasibility work to be completed.

The Head of Communities Enforcement and Partnerships confirmed the Borough was still pursuing the Home Office for help with costs but, there was support in place from TVP. Following trial digs, possibly around Christmas 2018, then design work would be required. But there was a limited market for materials. The design works were scheduled to be finished in Spring 2019 and works were due to begin in Summer 2019. The temporary measures would remain in place till the new measures were installed.

The Chairman stated disruption being kept to a minimum would be appreciated. The Head of Communities Enforcement and Partnerships said the Borough would try very hard not to disrupt any businesses. He also confirmed the report would be going to Cabinet for authorisation to spend with phase one of the works costing approximately £950k.