Agenda item

Report attched

The Committee considered a report that detailed three schemes of safety improvement for cyclists using the Roneo Corner gyratory as part of the Local Implementation Plan for 2012/13.  Funding had been allocated by Transport for London to review existing cycle facilities at Roneo Corner gyratory. The scheme was in response to problems with cyclists using the busy gyratory particularly when travelling southbound towards Elm Park, Rainham, Romford or Rush Green.

A detailed feasibility study had been carried out with a view to improve the facilities for cyclists at Roneo Corner gyratory. The objective was to provide safe facilities and connections with the existing A124 cycle route, commencing from the borough’s western boundary and continuing to Upminster via Hornchurch.

As part of the study, it was considered necessary to review trade delivery arrangements for despatching goods by businesses as well as staff and customer parking to ensure that the current arrangements were not impeded.

The collision accident data for the last four years (up to October 2011) compiled by London Road Safety Unit had detailed 15. All PIAs had resulted in slight injury accidents.

          The report proposed the following cycle facilities:

Option 1: retaining the existing layout of the gyratory and conversion of existing footways for shared use and upgrading existing cycle facilities

This option proposed measures relating to converting the existing footways, where feasible, for cyclists to use them safely. The specific measures proposed were:

i)          Eastbound cyclists travelling from Rush Green or Romford to Hornchurch would mount the existing footway on the north side of Hornchurch Road. The existing footway would be converted to shared use by pedestrians and cyclists. The proposals were shown on drawing no. QL035-of-101 included in the report.

ii)        Westbound cyclists would mount the existing footway on the south side of Hornchurch Road (between Upper Rainham Road and Roneo Link).  The existing footway would be converted to shared use. The proposals were shown on drawing no. QL035-of-101 included in the report.

iii)       Southbound cyclists travelling from Hornchurch Road (east of the gyratory) would mount the footway on the south side of the gyratory and continue their journey towards Elm Park or Rainham.  Cyclists travelling from Hornchurch Road (west arm) would use the footway on the west side of the gyratory. The existing footway would be converted to shared use by both pedestrians and cyclists. The proposals were shown on drawing no. QL035-of-101 included in the report.

iv)       At certain locations the footways would be widened to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians and this had been stated where applicable.  The widening would be limited to the grass verge only and not in the carriageway.

v)         It was estimated that the cost to implement the measures of this option would be less than £60,000. This cost was considered to be modest and could be completed within the financial allocation provided by Transport for London under the Local Implementation Plan for 2012/13.

Option 2: retaining the existing layout of the gyratory and conversion of existing pelicans to toucan crossings

i)          This option incorporated the measures of option 1 and involved converting the existing pedestrian crossings (pelicans) on all arms of the gyratory to toucans which would facilitate both cyclists and pedestrians to cross the roads safely.

ii)      It was estimated that the cost to implement the measures of this option would be £80,000, (in addition to the £60,000 cost of option 1). It was anticipated that these measures would be implemented in 2013/14 financial year subject to the availability of funds from Transport for London. The proposals were shown on drawing no. QL035-of-201 included in the report.

Option 3:  Converting existing one-way traffic flow to two ways

i)       This option involved measures to convert the existing one-way system in Roneo Link to two way traffic i.e. permit traffic between Upper Rainham Road and Hornchurch Road. The junction of Roneo Link/Hornchurch Road (east side of the gyratory) would be signal controlled. The section of Upper Rainham Road between the southern end of Roneo Link and Hornchurch Road would be partially closed and used for access only to the local shops, flats and other residential properties. This section would also provide a safe route for cyclists.  The proposals were shown on drawing no. QL035-of-301 included in the report.

ii)        The existing one-way system in Hornchurch Road between Roneo Link and Upper Rainham Road would be converted to two-way traffic. The proposals were shown on drawing no. QL035-of-301 included in the report.

The cost to implement this option was estimated at £250,000.  Due to the complexity of the works involved such as feasibility studies, public consultation, scheme design, traffic signal design by Transport for London and implementation it was important to spread the scheme over two years.

The report also detailed alternative measures to improve cycle facilities such as the gyratory regulating both local and through traffic.

It was stated that provision of a mandatory cycle lane was considered in the carriageway of Roneo Link but this measure was not feasible as westbound traffic on entering from both arms of Hornchurch Road into the gyratory started to change lanes to enter into correct lanes leading towards Rainham (south) Romford (north) or Rush Green (west). Mandatory cycle lanes were supported by Traffic Management Orders which prohibit vehicles from entering into them. This measure was not considered to be practicable or financially viable.     

The current proposals were discussed at an Urban Design London course attended by the Council’s Streetcare officers where an opportunity was given to delegates to bring their own schemes and discuss the measures in a workshop.

Several delegates considered the Roneo Corner scheme and they considered that radical measures were needed to assist cyclists to negotiate the busy gyratory.

The proposals were also discussed at the Cycling Liaison Group meeting which the Council held with local cycling representatives. Members of the group conceded that the existing junction was not cycle friendly and that some robust measures were needed to improve facilities for cyclists.

The proposals described in the report were associated with improving cycling facilities at Roneo Corner gyratory which was very busy particularly during peak periods. Officers stated that           the proposed facilities would not have any detrimental impact on frontages at Roneo Corner nor on customer parking and deliveries. It was anticipated that the impact of traffic on Roneo Corner was likely to increase due to planned local developments and traffic growth in the future, therefore, the proposed measures would benefit all road users. 

In accordance with the public participation arrangements the Committee was addressed by a member of the Havering Cycle Liaison Group who expressed his views in support of the scheme. He stated that the current layout was dangerous for cyclists and that he favoured option 3.

During the debate, members raised the following concerns regarding the proposed scheme.

·           That the scheme was very expensive and Members were not sure it would work.

·           That there was no problem in the area and that the gyratory operated well and the scheme should not go forward.

·           That option 3 would be an issue for businesses accessing forecourts.

·           That Hornchurch had on going works for some time and the commencement of another major scheme would be problematic.

·           That there were many sets of traffic signals which managed the flow well and the only problem was occasionally in the morning peak.

A motion to reject all options of the scheme was proposed by Councillor Kelly and seconded by Councillor Oddy.

The motion was carried by was 7 votes in favour to 2 against.