A verbal update by the Business Improvement Principal, Christopher Wheeler, RBWM.

The Chairman welcomed the Business Improvement Principal, Christopher Wheeler, to the meeting and asked him to merge and address the next two items which had been requested by a resident, Helen Price.

The Business Improvement Principal referred everyone to the briefing notes on page 25-28 of the agenda. It was noted that the Council was committed to reducing congestion where practical to do so and this aligns with the Manifesto commitment to “continue to review and reduce unnecessary traffic lights”.  Members were informed that the Arthur Road corridor had been identified as a location where a consultation on possible alternative junction arrangements should be considered.

It was noted that draft options had been developed for two alternative options for the junction of Maidenhead Road / Stovell Road (a mini-roundabout or a priority junction) and an alternative layout for Arthur Road / Alma Road (mini-roundabout). Members were informed that each option would also include provision of pedestrian facilities.

The Business Improvement Principal went onto explain that it was not considered viable or appropriate to consider removal of the traffic signals at the junction of Arthur Road with Vansittart Road. It was noted that a mini-roundabout was not possible, as the required stepped back give-way lines would lead to sub-standard visibility, whilst conventional give-ways on the two Vansittart Road arms would introduce safety risks due to the lack of clarity over priority between the two opposed right turn movements from the Vansittart Road arms. Members were informed that more importantly there would also be no suitable locations for convenient pedestrian facilities to be accommodated under alternative layouts at that junction.

With regard to Imperial Road the Borough had undertaken a consultation from 15 October to 20 December 2015 on possible changes at the junctions of Imperial Road / St Leonards Road and Winkfield Road / Clewer Hill Road. It was noted that the decision to consult on possible changes was primarily made as a response to demands of local residents to ease congestion during peak periods and improve air quality.  Members were informed that the consultation had invited comments on two outline design options for removal of traffic lights at both junctions:

•      Option A included a give way junction at Clewer Hill Road with no right turns from that junction onto Winkfield Road and a roundabout at the Imperial Road junction with St Leonards Road.

•      Option B included a mini-roundabout at the Clewer Hill Road / Winkfield Road junction, with the Imperial Road and St Leonards Road junction reconfigured so that traffic on the eastern arm would give way to the other two arms and be banned from turning right.

Members were informed that two public drop-in events had been held to allow members of the public to meet with officers and Councillors, ask questions and have their say on the consultation. It was noted that signs were also positioned on site to advise of the consultation, letter drops were carried out, press releases were arranged and information on the consultation was included in Around the Royal Borough and on the Borough website.

It was noted that the consultation on Imperial Road had ended in December and a summary of the results could be found on the RBWM website.  Members were informed that short-term measures would be put in place before Easter and after the next Legoland season long-term solutions would be put in place. 

The Lead Member for Highways stated that the Council had worked very hard on both areas and that he was looking forward to the Arthur Road consultation that would go out to local Councillors and then out to the public ideally before the end of March. 

In the ensuing discussion the following points were noted:

Ø  It was questioned whether the Council could model improvements gained as a result of the traffic signal review to air quality from the final design.  A response to this would be attached to the minutes. 

Ø  It was confirmed that as far as the Business Improvement Principal was aware there would not be part of the trial in Arthur Road where the traffic lights would be stopped.  It was noted that a trail may however be felt appropriate when suggestions had been received from the consultation.

Ø  The parking system in Thames Street was being changed from a pay on exit to a pay on entry car park.  It was noted that business permit holders and the Bowles Club would be provided with special coins / pass card to enable free entry / exit. 

Ø  Members were informed that this new parking system was live in the Nicholsons Car Park in Maidenhead and once any bugs had been ironed out it would be introduced into the River Street / Meadow Lane Car Park.  It was noted that the new parking system would give change and would also allow users to pay online or by phone. 

Ø  That arrangements for Blue Badge Holders and business permit holders / season ticket holders with regard to the new parking system would be attached to the minutes.

Ø  The Chairman urged local residents to raise their suggestions with their local Ward Councillors.

Ø  The Chairman expressed her concern over the exit from the Leisure Centre as she felt leisure centre users might be at a disadvantage and unable to exit the Arthur Road corridor.  The Lead Member for Highways explained that this was part of a separate scheme. 

Ø  That the new parking machine was already in 400 car parks and was part of the Councils Manifesto commitment.  

Ø  That the Environmental Team had an input in Highway schemes. 

Ø  That specific classes of vehicles could not be banned in the Royal Borough from using specific routes.

Ø  The Chairman congratulated her fellow Councillors on the 4000+ consultation sheets / leaflets that had been distributed and the Lead Member for Highways on what he had done to get this moving.

Ø  Helen Price stated that she did appreciate the change in including residents in consultations. 

It was requested that the Parking Principal, Neil Walter wrote a letter / sent an email to coach companies asking them to adhere to the signed coach route. 

It was suggested that if the current Police & Crime Commissioner was re-elected in May he could be invited to a future Forum meeting to discuss local priorities.