A report seeking approval to carry out a statutory consultation for the implantation of traffic restrictions in the form of a speed reduction between the Berkeley Avenue overbridge and 29 Rose Kiln Lane in both directions to 30mph.

The Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report that sought approval from the Sub-Committee to carry out a statutory consultation for the implementation of traffic restrictions in the form of a speed reduction between the Berkeley Avenue overbridge and 29 Rose Kiln Lane in both directions to 30mph.  Proposed A33 Speed Reduction Location Drawing was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report explained that the speed limit reduction was necessary to enable the introduction of inbound and outbound bus stops, the former being in carriageway, rather than bus lane, providing much needed transport links for employees and customers to the various commercial premises in the area.  In order to protect the existing capacity the lane widths would be reduced in places and so a speed limit reduction was required to maintain safe vehicle movements, including those turning left into commercial premises, which had been identified as an existing issue during the Road Safety Audit.  This new section of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) supported and connected to the existing dedicated public transport priority measures on the A33 corridor, linking the town centre to Green Park, Mereoak park and ride and the longer term proposed Grazeley Garden Settlement and Four Valleys developments.  The scheme was currently provided for buses but in the future could be used by guided buses, trams or driverless public transport vehicles. 

This phase of the scheme was being delivered using Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding and would provide key sections of the overall scheme by joining up previous section of the BRT to provide continuous bus priority, particularly south bound, and would tackle a key pinch point of the overall scheme by constructing over the river Kennet.  These phases were therefore a vital element within the Borough as part of the overall approach and would complement further aspirations for enhancements to the BRT route within Reading and future aspirations for enhancements at the Mereoak park and ride facility.  Delivering this phase of the south Reading BRT would help to deliver against the aspirations of the Borough’s Local Plan and draft Local Transport Strategy as it was key to increasing the capacity of the network to deliver the journeys that would support the economy and levels or proposed growth while contributing to the wider region public transport ambitions.

A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, reducing the speed limit, had been drafted and was due to implemented prior to commencement of construction in Autumn 2023. 

The Sub-Committee discussed the report and it was suggested that the 30mph restriction be extended to the wider area.

Resolved –

(1)        That the Statutory Consultation be approved to take place;

(2)        That subject to no objections being received, the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to make the Traffic Regulation Order(s);

(3)        That any objection(s) received following the statutory advertisement be submitted to a future meeting.