Highways officers will give an update on highways issues in the Ward.
Minutes:
The Chair notified the meeting that the agenda items would be heard out of order.
The Chair introduced Councillor Clarke, Deputy City Mayor with responsibility for Transport, Clean Air and Climate Emergency. He thanked the ward councillors for allowing him the opportunity attend the meeting to inform residents of plans for the area in terms of highways. The Chair explained the role of the Executive to residents.
Officers provided the following information on works undertaken in the ward over the past 12 months:
· Inspection of the Ward’s roads continued, with works including patch-up, gully work and fencing repairs undertaken.
· Railings and bollards had been fitted along Tudor Road / Tudor Close.
· Blackbird Road speed had been reduced from 40mph to 30mph as part of wider works for the area.
· Residents were consulted over residents parking schemes in Woodgate and Tudor Road. Woodgate online consultation (90 responses) was held from 11 March to 24 April 2022, and public exhibitions (32 visitors) held.
· An update was provided on the Safer Walking / Cycling route from Beaumont Leys to Five-Ways, through to Woodgate and then Highcross Street, to provide a safer corridor, and link from the city centre to Beaumont Leys:
· In order to reduce the impact of motor vehicles on the environment, several experimental road closures, such as the one on Buckminster Road, were being brought in around the city in order to improve walking and cycling facilities. It was noted that the Authority could have gone ahead with a permanent closure. An experimental closure could be in position for 18 months, with the objection period for the first six months. Officers had until mid-May 2023 to make a decision on the Buckminster Road closure. If the decision was made to make the closure permanent, it would need to be considered by an independent inspector.
· Feedback had also been received from other parts of the area, from residents who were grateful for the road closure as they had seen a reduction in traffic.
· Traffic counts had been undertaken before and during the enclosure, and another count would be undertaken late September 2022, in order to view changes in traffic flow. It had been noted there had been a significant reduction in vehicle movement in the area, but the issue was that more traffic had been moving along Colwell Road, which was being addressed.
Residents were then given the opportunity to provide feedback and to raise concerns:
· Colwell Road was a narrow compared to Buckminster Road, with frontages of the houses close to the road. It was calculated that the volume of traffic was up by 80%, with large lorries and vans using the road. It was thought that over time it could undermine the foundations of the houses which were so near the road.
· Speeding on the road was an issue, with worries of damage to parked vehicles.
· When using off road parking, it was difficult to drive out onto the road or to park because of a blocked view from other cars and queuing traffic.
· The original letter received from residents was Buckminster Road had been closed to prevent rat running from Anstey Lane to Groby Road, reduce congestion and improve air quality.
· Since the bus lane on Groby Road had been brought in, it had moved traffic down Brading Road onto Buckminster Road and Colwell Road. The suggestion of Colwell Road being made one way was welcomed. The bus lane being 24hours was also questioned.
Officers had been out to talk to residents with a suggestion for Colwell to make a short section one way and were asking for feedback. Other options to be considered were traffic calming measures once up-to-date information had been received. Officers were looking at a combination of factors to try to address the situation, whilst keeping residents on board.
Other comments from residents included:
· A resident who lived on Buckminster Road stated the road was more peaceful but traffic was faster.
· A suggestion was made to make Buckminster Road one way and to leave Colwell Road as it was.
· It was safer for children to walk on Buckminster Road because the paths were wider.
· With the road closure, people were having to drive around the area, which caused more pollution.
· With the proposed removal of the right turn from Woodgate onto Buckminster Road / Blackbird Road, it would force more drivers onto Medina Road.
· There were issues with people visiting the Anstey Lane Club parking at the top of Colwell Road.
· It was asked if a restriction could be placed on Colwell Road to prevent heavy goods vehicles.
· It was asked where cars were going to park when the development in front of the shops started.
· There were derelict cars on Bradgate Street that needed removing.
· There was increased traffic since the introduction of the bus lane on Groby Road. Particularly down Medina Road.
· Residents asked for parking bays at Buckminster Road shops and the GP surgery on Groby Road.
Residents asked why the bus lane on Groby Road was 24 hours for infrequent buses. Officers explained that where there were no other particular demands such as shops, etc. and if the lane worked during peak times, there was no need to have it timed. It was further explained the bus lane had been installed before commencement of the Five Ways junction work, as there was an economic case for the buses not to be delayed. It was noted that if the small part of bus lane after Medina did not work it could be altered if necessary.
It was noted that Groby Road had double yellow lines, which had been in place before the bus lane was installed, therefore homeowners and delivery drivers should abide by the yellow lines and not park on the pathway and cycle lane.
The Deputy City Mayor stated the aim and design of the scheme was to reduce the carbon footprint, improve air quality and make streets safety by dissipating traffic on the ‘A’ Roads away from residential streets, and that the road closure was experimental to see if there was a change in traffic flow. As part of the experiment it was also hoped it would encourage more people to walk short journeys.
He said that the reason he had attended the meeting was to listen to residents, and that he had heard points made at the meeting he had not heard before and he would take all of them on board. He asked those present that he hoped they appreciated the motive and challenges for the city, to improve air quality, the climate and provide safer streets with competing demands, and he wanted to get to a point where lives were improved.
Officers noted the issues being faced on Colwell Road and a solution would be sought that would be beneficial to Colwell Road. Officers had also picked up the point around increased traffic due to the bus lane.
Officers then discussed the proposed works on the complex Five Ways junction. It was explained that when constructed 40+ years ago there was less traffic on the road. It was reported the junction had the highest accident rates than any other part of the city and was difficult to manage. When looking at the larger scale development in the area, it was appreciated the area used to be largely industrial, but now with more residential development the route could no longer cope. The reconstruction of the junction would make it a safer, more sensible junction to cope with new development, hence the rebuild of Ravensbridge Drive and Blackbird Road junction that had taken place. The removing of the right turn from Woodgate onto Blackbird Road would give more time for the movement of traffic.
Members of Woodgate Residents Association had submitted objections against the Five Ways scheme which would have impact on nearby Woodgate Streets with cut through and would impact shoppers going to Aldi. It was further stated that with the removal of the right-hand turn, there would be additional traffic on Medina Road with the potential for build-p of traffic on Groby Road wanting to turn right. It was also noted that notices to changes in parking were confusing.
Other road issues in the area were put forward by residents:
· A request was made for traffic calming on Wentworth Road. It was noted the request had been passed to the Safer Streets Healthier Neighbourhoods Team.
· Tudor Close was accessed from Tudor Road and was usually blocked by shop and school traffic. The issue would be addressed when consulting on the residents parking scheme.
· Pavement parking caused obstructions. The PCSO informed the meeting that people should report obstructions to the police who could recover the vehicle following a period of observation. It was noted that double yellow lines also applied to pathways up to property boundaries.