Agenda item

Report attached

The report before the committee detailed responses to a consultation for upgrading the existing cycle route between Upminster to Hornchurch.

The proposal outlined that the existing cycle route ran in both directions traversed from St Mary’s Lane into Highview Gardens and entered into Champion Road (via the emergency access), the route then continued into Branfill Road and terminated at Station Road.

The report informed the Committee that as part of the upgrade, it was proposed to establish a 20mph speed zone to enhance safety for cyclists. 20 mph speed zones are an effective way to decrease the frequency and severity of road accidents, largely by reducing traffic speeds. The zone cordon was between St Mary’s Lane (north side), Station Road (west side) and Highview Gardens (all) and Branfill Road (all).  The proposals were shown on drawing no. QM024-OF-110.

With the agreement of the Committee, Councillor Ron Ower addressed the Committee.

Councillor Ower stated that he was in favour of the scheme stating that there had been considerable work on the proposals. The proposal would support the local cycle routes and the 2 schools in the area. He stated that Ward Councillors and residents were in favour of the scheme. He also commended the proposal for getting rid of the fire gate and its replacement feature.

During general debate, Members of the Committee discussed and sought clarification of the following matters:

·         About the bollard positions at the road closure in Highview Gardens. It was explained that the proposal included a single removable bollard for fire access.

·         There was also a concern about the proposed trees being damaged, the Committee was informed that the proposal included protection for the trees.

Officers explained that the scheme could operate satisfactorily with a single removable bollard for emergency access.

The Committee RESOVLED:

1.         To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that the measures as listed below and paragraph 2 and 3 of the recommendation be implemented and the necessary traffic orders be made.

i)     Schedule 1 – 20 mph speed zone for traffic calming measures in Branfill Road, Champion Road, Cranborne Gardens, Gaynes Road, Highview Gardens and Wilson Close (newly named service road) on south side of Gaynes Road. The proposals were shown on drawing no. GM024-OF-101.

ii)    Schedule 2 – flat top humps as entry treatments in Cranborne Gardens and Gaynes Road. The proposals were shown on drawing no. GM024-OF-101.

2.         Carlton Close - Kerb alignment on both sides at the entrance of Carlton Road at its junction with Highview Gardens. The proposals were shown on drawing no. GM024-OF-101.

3.         Highview Gardens– Upgrading the existing emergency access to include block paving, kerb build out, landscaping and facilities for cyclists.  The proposals were shown on drawing no. GM024-OF-111.

4.      That it be noted the cost of carrying out the works was £50,000. This would be met by Transport for London through the allocation for 2013/14 Local Implementation Plan for upgrading the existing A124 cycle route package.