Verbal report by County Councillor Don Mackenzie (Executive Member for Access)
Minutes:
Considered –
The verbal report of County Councillor Don Mackenzie (Executive Member for Access) giving an update on the Oatlands Drive Active Travel Fund scheme.
County Councillor Don Mackenzie advised that the Oatlands Drive Active Travel scheme had been chosen for submission of a bid to the DfT because, unlike the two other Active Travel schemes in this area, Oatlands Drive was very close to a large residential area, two secondary schools, and was considered to be ideally located to seek better facilities for cycling and walking. The Oatlands Drive Active Travel scheme bid to the DfT had included the introduction of one-way traffic management in order to create sufficient width on that road, which was hemmed-in on both sides by The Stray for much of its length, to create a good cycle path in each direction. The recent initial consultation had shown the majority of residents to be opposed/vehemently opposed to one-way traffic management on Oatlands Drive. There were many reasons for such opposition although a common reason was that it would result in a longer journey into town by car than at present. However, this had been one of the reasons why Oatlands Drive had been chosen for an Active Travel scheme, namely, that it was within a mile of the town centre and the Harrogate Congestion Study had identified that it was the short journeys into the town centre which should be made more attractive, and more encouragement given to people, to walk or cycle rather than use their cars.
County Councillor Don Mackenzie advised that the outcome of the initial consultation had now been discussed with the Corporate Director – Business and Environmental Services and that the decision had been taken, having taken into account the overwhelming views of local residents and the local Elected Member, to drop the one-way traffic management element. Therefore, the main consultation on detailed design, which was about to begin, would not include one-way working. However, it would include a proposal to make the whole area on Oatlands Drive, from York Place through to Hookstone Road and all the Saints residential area, a 20mph zone to slow the traffic to improve safety for walkers and cyclists. Other improvements were also planned. Every resident of the area would receive a letter and leaflet about this detailed design consultation, together with encouragement for them to give their views on the slightly reduced proposals that were considered, nevertheless, to encourage walking and cycling.
County Councillor John Ennis (local Member) expressed his thanks to County Councillor Don Mackenzie and the Corporate Director – Business and Environmental Services for considering residents’ views. He also welcomed the dropping of the one-way traffic management element because he felt that that aspect would not have worked due, for example, to displacement of traffic, greater congestion, disproportionate inconvenience for residents with disabilities, and access problems for St Aidan’s School. He felt that the various other aspects of the detailed design could nevertheless improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists on Oaklands Drive. In conclusion, he felt that there was a lot to welcome in this current version of the proposal, which excluded the one-way traffic management element, and he welcomed the detailed design consultation which was to take place soon.
Other Members expressed support for the changes which had been made to the proposal and for all the work being undertaken to encourage sustainable transport.
Resolved –
That the report be noted.