A report seeking approval to make the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order for the implementation of the Crescent Road School Street Scheme permanent.

The Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report that sought approval to make the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order for the implementation of the Crescent Road School Street Scheme permanent.  The full results of the Crescent Road Statutory Consultation were attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report explained that the Crescent Road School Street Scheme had initially been due to launch in November 2021, however, it had been delayed in order to recruit more marshal volunteers.  The scheme was subsequently launched in February 2022 operating in the mornings only.  The afternoon school street closure had then been introduced in November 2022 following the recruitment of marshal volunteers.  A Road Safety Audit (RSA) Stage 3 had been carried out in May 2022 and only two problems had been noted, both in relation to the junction of Bulmershe Road/Crescent Road.  Recommendations were made to cut back vegetation and to remove traffic cones that had been placed there to prevent parking/drop-off on the double yellow lines.  These were partly accepted by the Council.  The RSA 3 had also made an observation regarding the crossing point on the Wokingham Road next to the bus stop which the Council would look to address as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan measures.

Transport Officers had made a number of site visits to review the operation of the School Street scheme, including on the surrounding roads outside of the closure.  Following initial congestion on the implementation of both the morning and afternoon closures the scheme had operated well once parent and carers had become used to the arrangements and had changed travel habits accordingly.  Traffic surveys, including automated traffic counters, had been carried out before and after the implementation of the scheme.  This had highlighted that there were some displacement of traffic movements to Bulmershe Road and the surrounding network, including Eastern Avenue, Hamilton Road and Culver Lane, but these were minor and were considered to be manageable within the existing network.  Officers would continue to monitor traffic levels in the surrounding area.  Throughout the School Street scheme officers had requested visits by parking enforcement officers and Thames Valley Police officers to monitor vehicles and encourage safe and legal practice and this had proved to be effective.

The results of the statutory consultation were detailed in the report and there had been 66.7% support for making the scheme permanent. 

Resolved –

(1)        That the progress of the School Street scheme for Crescent Road, as outlined in the report, be noted;

(2)        That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services  be granted authority to make the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order permanent for Crescent Road subject to agreement from the schools to continue co-ordinating the marshals;

(3)        That theobservation from the RSA 3 regarding the crossing point from the bus stop on the Wokingham Road be noted and officers investigate possible solutions as part of BSIP measures.