A report providing the Sub-Committee with an update on the results of the statutory consultation to deliver a pedestrian crossing on Upper Redland Road, to consider the appropriate measures to be taken prior to implementation of the scheme and seeking approval to undertake a Statutory Consultation to implement additional traffic restrictions.

Further to Minute 20 of the meeting held on 13 September 2023 the Sub-Committee received a report providing an update on the results of the statutory consultation, asking the Sub-Committee to consider appropriate measures to be taken prior to the implementation of the scheme and sought approval to carry out a statutory consultation to implement the additional traffic restrictions.  A copy of the Upper Redlands Road Pedestrian Crossing Revised Scheme Design was attached to the report at Appendix 1 and the consultation results were attached to the report at Appendix 2.

The report explained that the scheme would deliver a pedestrian crossing on Upper Redlands Road and had been jointly promoted by the Council, St Joseph’s College and the University of Reading.  The statutory consultation had taken place between 25 January and 8 February 2024 and a total of 87 responses had been received of which 79 (91%) had been in support, with the remaining 8 (9%) objecting to the proposal.  The objections had fallen into three main categories: the location of the crossing, the location of the bus stop and perception of increased traffic/congestion.

Based on observations the crossing was positioned where the majority of people currently crossed for the school , considering the proximity of the bus stops on Alexandra Road and the catchment of students and others within the wider area.  Relocating the crossing to the east of the school would distance it from the ‘desire line’, potentially reducing its utilisation and students and others might continue to cross at the desire line without assistance.  At the time of the original design, the proposed bus stop relocation had appeared appropriate and there had been an additional intention to introduce as little change to the existing facilities as possible.  However, after careful consideration, and acknowledging the concerns that had been raised through the consultation process, officers had revised their proposals, as set out in Appendix 1.  The location of the new bus stop had been carefully made following extensive internal deliberations and thorough assessments of highway constraints along Upper Redlands Road.  The removal on 18 metres of parking bays in this location was not expected to have a detrimental impact on parking in this area due to the existing provision of parking bays elsewhere on Upper Redlands Road and Elmhurst Road.  While this action reduced the availability of shared use parking, it beneficially confined it between zig-zags and a designated bus stop area and the potential for bus stop overcrowding was mitigated by placing it between parking spaces and school-keep clear restrictions.  This approach was anticipated to promote better compliance and reduce the overall length of kerbside occupation thereby minimising potential congestion and enhancing forward visibility.  The proposal also kept the bus stop furthest from the crossing to further aid intervisibility at the crossing.

The report explained that the removal of the current parking bay on Upper Redlands Road necessitated the revocation of the existing Traffic Regulation Order and the establishment of a new one and was why the report sought approval to carry out statutory consultation for the proposed changes.

Resolved –

(1)        That the report be noted;

(2)        That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to undertake statutory consultation/notification processes for the proposed changes to Parking Restrictions on Upper Redlands Road, in accordance with the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996;

(3)        That the Highways and Traffic Services Manager, in agreement with the Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, be able to make minor alterations to the agreed proposals;

(4)        That subject to no objections being received the scheme be considered as agreed for implementation enabling delivery planning to commence;

(5)        That should a scheme receive objection(s) during the statutory consultation period, that these be reported to a future meeting for consideration and decision regarding scheme implementation;

(6)        That subject to resolutions (2) to (5) above, the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to approve the proposed zebra crossing designs on Upper Redlands Road, in accordance with the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996.