Agenda item

Bell Street and Station Forecourt Works

To receive a presentation on the above titled item from Ben Smith- Head of Commissioning- Communities.

Minutes:

Ben Smith, Head of Commissioning- Communities gave a presentation on the above titled item. Members of the Forum were informed that the origins of the project were formed 2-3 years ago when a business case was presented to the Local Enterprise Partnership. It was outlined that there was a specific focus on health and wellbeing and that this would be carried through the enhancing of facilities and the regeneration of Maidenhead town centre. Members were told that there was a package of measures which would be undertaken to enhance pedestrian and cycle access and improve the public realm, accessibility and functionality of the station. It was outlined that the scheme was a key transport infrastructure project that would help to unlock investment and support the regeneration of Maidenhead town centre. The project would improve access and interchange at Maidenhead Station and would aim to improve links between the station and town centre. The scheme would also support the delivery of Crossrail and the Great Western Programme. Members were informed that delivery of the scheme would support the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Goals in direct relation to infrastructure and would be a key element of the Maidenhead Town Centre Area Action Plan. Forum Members were also told that the scheme would contribute significantly towards both the strategic and local transport objectives for the borough.

 

The Forum were told that the scheme was being carried out to improve connectivity between the station and the town centre. There would be enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists with an increase of 250 cycle spaces. Members were informed that there would be a better bus interchange, improved road safety, positive improvements to environmental factors such as noise and air quality. It was also outlined that there would be a focus on improving public space by providing short stay, drop off, taxi and disabled bays. As part of the presentation, Members were informed that at Broadway Junction there was an average of 415 right turn ovements in the afternoon peak flow from Queen Street onto the A308. It was highlighted that over 75% of these movements would be removed from Queen Street resulting in improvements to safety and that this would mitigate road traffic accidents significantly. The Forum were told that residents would be communicated to via social media, and that there would be a live trial of the two way working system from the 1st July 2019.

 

ACTION- That findings and feedback of the two way working system of Broad be provided at the next maidenhead Town Forum on the 24th July 2019.

 

Members were informed that there had been high levels of engagement received from residents which had been positive, with the Facebook post reaching 13,094 views and receiving 234 comments. There has also been 159 survey responses received ( as of 12th June 2019). Key themes that had emerged from the responses from residents included; pedestrian safety not being a current problem; introduction of the two way Broadway system would not mitigate any impact on Queen Street flow; concerns surrounding increased congestion across the road networks; impact to those who park beneath Star House; residents felt that the current system worked well and that any changes would increase peak journey times.

 

At the conclusion of the presentation, residents made a number of comments which included;

 

·         How many road movements had been factored in to the modelling of the two way system?  It was confirmed that modelling of the impact and frequency of movements had been undertaken by project entre, a joint service used by RBWM.

·         Had the emergency services been approached in relation to the design of the pilot? It was confirmed that there had been continued efforts to engage with the emergency services and that there would be a statutory consultation at a later if it was decided that a traffic regulation order would be needed. It was highlighted that historically there had been little feedback received from the local fire authority with traffic management proposals.

·         Would there be appropriate signage posted throughout the town outlining the new road layout? It was confirmed that concerns relating to the switching of lanes would be taken away and best addressed through the communications team.

 

Councillor Carroll who was in attendance, highlighted that he had received comments from residents whilst campaigning recently that there would be major impacts to the flow of traffic through the central road network around the town centre and that it was imperative to consult with emergency services to ensure emergency vehicle access.

 

Councillor Johnson ( Lead Member for Transport) highlighted that there was a clear need for a consultation exercise to take place and that there would be a series of improvements to junctions within the town centre and that resident’s recent responses would be looked at and taken on board.

 

Councillor Reynolds queried whether there had been any consideration to providing transit cycle routes outside of the town centre. It was noted that the Cycling Action Plan had been approved at Cabinet last year and that this was a ten year with commitments to providing new and improving existing cycle routes in and around the borough.

 

A local resident queried whether timed traffic lights and crossings had been considered as opposed to the changing of the road layout and stated that this would be a more cost effective and less disruptive change which could improve the flow of traffic around the Train Station. It was noted that the traffic modelling had taken into context the number of vehicles passing through the town centre and out of the town centre via the A4 and that feedback of the trial would highlight any possible solutions.