A member of the Traffic Operations Team will provide an update on Highways related matters in the Ward.
Minutes:
Martin Fletcher, City Highways Director, was present to provide an update on highways related matters in the ward.
The Director referred back to the actions of the last meeting, noting that four parking spaces had been lost during work on road markings but would aim to create more space around the ward.
The City Highways Director highlighted the following points:
· An Annual Highways Capital Maintenance Programme was now in place on University Road.
· Phase 3 of the Clarendon Park Residential Parking scheme was due to go live on 10th March 2023 and residents were invited to apply.
· A survey was being finalised to review potential improvements to Queens Road. A report summarising the engagement feedback analysis period was expected in the next few months.
· Work was underway on Pocklingtons Walk to close off the right turn permanently.
· A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) was active across the city centre, which in part implemented a red route near the Haymarket bus station to prevent illegal parking.
· Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points had been rolled out across the city.
· Work to create more disabled parking bays was ongoing.
· Efforts to improve cycling signage was in progress.
· International hotel works were due to start again, with a drop-in session available at City Hall on 13th February to discuss the development.
· Parking issues at St John the Baptist school were ongoing. Highways and traffic officers were reviewing potential resolutions, such as closing the road during pick-up or drop-off times for an hour.
Councillors enquired whether schools could be granted power to stop traffic. It was noted that schools could be granted power and traffic enforcement officers would provide support for the initial few weeks.
A member of the public reported that faded double yellow and zig zag lines on East Avenue were being used as an excuse for traffic issues and required re-painting in.
Councillors and members of the public discussed possible resolutions for school-based traffic concerns, including possible park and stride schemes.
A member of the public raised concerns about the visibility for pedestrians on the junction between Waterloo Way and South Albion Street. It was noted to be a known issue with a variety of concerns including the hill reducing visibility for drivers. It was possible to redesign the road, but the work would take a long period of time to design and implement.
A member of the public enquired about the timeline for the improvements on Queens Road. It was noted that the work would stagnate for 3 months during the election period and it was considered unlikely for the improvements to finish this year.
The Chair raised concern about the accidents caused by diverted traffic on the Northcote and Queens Road junction. The Director noted awareness of the issue, but a solution had yet to be made.
Councillors and members of the public enquired about the data and proposed self-funding system for the EV charging points. It was noted that funding for the EV scheme had been received from the Leicester City Council, but the scheme required its own source of funding. The pilot data received had shown good usage but noted ongoing concern about the amount of electricity that could be sent through older cables. Further charging points for taxis were being reviewed but would require grant funding due to the high cost involved.
The Chair thanked the City Highways Director for the report.