A report informing the Sub-Committee of the current status of major transport and highways projects in Reading.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report providing the Sub-Committee with an update on the current major transport and highways projects in Reading.

The report explained that in relation to the Cow Lane Bridges Highway Works following completion of the Network Rail scheme the Council intended to deliver a series of complementary public transport, walking and cycling enhancements on the Oxford Road corridor.  The report recommended that a statutory consultation should be conducted on a proposal to lower the existing speed limit on Richfield Avenue, Cow Lane and Portman Road to 30mph.  It was considered that this proposal would improve access/egress to/from side roads and accesses along the corridor and would improve the perception of safety for pedestrians and cyclists using the area.

The report also provided an updated on the Thames Valley Berkshire Growth Deal Schemes and the following unfunded schemes: Reading West Station Upgrade and Third Thames Bridge.

Resolved -

(1)     That the report be noted;

(2)     That a statutory consultation be conducted on the proposal to reduce the speed limit on Richfield Avenue, Cow Lane and Portman Road to 30mph, as detailed in paragraph 4.5 of the report;

(3)     That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to carry out the statutory consultation and advertise the proposals in accordance with the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure)(England and Wales) Regulations 1996;

(4)     That, subject to no objections being received, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to make the Traffic Regulation Order;

(5)     That any objections received following the statutory advertisement be submitted to a future meeting;

(6)     That no public enquiry be held into the proposals.