A report asking the Sub-Committee for a decision on the outcome of a statutory consultation for the proposed implemenation of a new zebra crossing intended to support active travel to and from Caversham Primary School and asking for the feedback that had been received during the statutory consultation to be considered.

The Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report asking the Sub-Committee for a decision on the outcome of a statutory consultation for the proposed implementation of a new zebra crossing intended to support active travel to and from Caversham Primary School and asking for the feedback that had been received during the statutory consultation to be considered.  Anonymised feedback that had been received during the statutory consultation was attached to the report at Appendix 1 and a drawing showing the location and detail of the proposed zebra crossing was attached to the report at Appendix 2.

The report explained that the school was currently supported by a crossing patroller located on Kidmore Road, to the southern side of its junction with Oakley Road.  This location was a desired line for school travel and did not require children to cross Oakley Road further on, but it was a challenging location for the installation of a zebra crossing.  There were several nearby driveway accesses and relatively narrow footways on either side.  Officers had developed a proposal that placed the crossing as close to the desired line as possible and had commissioned an independent road safety audit for the design.  Increasing the width of the footway, and therefore narrowing the road, was one of the expected proposals of the audit, as the existing footway was not considered sufficiently wide to accommodate numerous pedestrians.  No other significant issues had been raised in the audit.

The report explained that a statutory consultation had been carried out between 19 August and 8 September 2021.  63 responses had been received, 15 objections, 47 in support and one comment.  The proposed location for the crossing was on the most desirable crossing line, which was currently used by many children attending Caversham Primary School.  It was likely to be at its busiest during journeys to and from school but, it would also be a useful facility to benefit the wider community and would promote walking in the area.

Within the limitations of what was possible, equipment would be chosen that minimised light from the beacons being directed toward nearby properties and any necessary additional lighting would also be shielded.

The Sub-Committee discussed the report and Councillor Barnett-Ward stated that the implementation of the new zebra crossing would make the need for a crossing on Oakley Road all the more important and officers suggested that this could be added to the list of Traffic Management Measures following discussion with Ward Councillors.

Resolved –

(1)     That the report be noted;

(2)     That having considered the feedback, as set out in Appendix 1 attached to the report, the proposal for a new zebra crossing be implemented;

(3)     That respondents to the statutory consultation be informed of the decision of the Sub-Committee accordingly, following publication of the agreed minutes of the meeting;

(4)     That officers progress the delivery of the zebra crossing, if agreed for implementation.