40 River Dour Cycle Route Phase 1

Agenda Item No 7

RIVER DOUR CYCLE ROUTE PHASE 1 – RESULTS OF CONSULTATION

To: Dover Joint Transportation Board, 15 April 2010

Main Portfolio Area: KCC – Environment, Highways and Waste

By: Head of Transport & Development, Kent Highway Services

Classification: Unrestricted

Ward: St Radigunds Division : Dover Town Buckland Tower Hamlets Maxton, Elms Vale and Priory Castle

Summary: The report summarises the results of the public consultation for a cycle route between Buckland Mill and Park Street, Dover.

For Recommendation

1. Introduction

1.1 On behalf of Kent County Council (KCC), Kent Highway Services (KHS) is proposing a cycle route scheme in Dover, which also incorporates improvements for pedestrians.

1.2 This scheme was outlined in the Dover District Cycling Plan approved by the JTB in December 2008. The scheme originated from the desire to create a main arterial cycle route along the Dour Valley in Dover Town which further cycle routes could then link into (from River and Whitfield for example). The route was developed with KHS working closely with Dover Pride and Sustrans.

1.3 The principle scheme aims are to provide better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists in Dover in providing a near traffic free route away from the busy ring road thus contributing towards an increase in cycling in the Dover urban area and resulting reduction in traffic congestion.

1.4 This scheme will form ‘Phase 1’ of the River Dour Route travelling from Crabble Meadows adjacent to Buckland Bridge, to Park Street. Future phase 2 will look to link on to the seafront, and to National Cycle Routes 1 and 2.

1.5 Extra value has been added to the scheme by incorporating improved pedestrian facilities with the proposed new pedestrian and cycle bridge at Buckland and improvements to existing pedestrian crossings.

1.6 £300,000 has been allocated to the scheme from the 2010/11 Transportation & Safety Package Programme. A further contribution of £450,000 has been made by Sustrans via their Connect2 funding stream as a top up for Phase 1 and to enable KHS to complete future Phase 2. It should be noted that although this figure may seem high, this is due to the costs incurred by providing a new bridge.

2. Summary of consultation response

2.1 A scheme proposal was prepared, and put forward for public consultation. The documents and original proposals may be seen in Appendix 1.

2.2 The consultation period ran for 6 weeks, from 25 th January to 5th March 2010. Information leaflets and feedback forms were distributed to 460 immediately affected residents and businesses and 20 notification posters were placed along the route. The plans were made available for inspection along with feedback return boxes at both The Discover Centre and The Gateway in Dover town centre. All of the consultation information and scheme drawings were made available on the www.kent.gov.uk website, which included the opportunity to comment via an email feedback form. Press articles detailing the consultation were released in the Dover Express and Mercury. Other consultees directly contacted included the local district and county councillors, town council, the emergency services, bus companies and the Dover Disability Forum.

2.3 Consultees were asked whether they supported the proposals shown in Appendix 2, and were also given the opportunity to make additional comments, which are summarised in Appendix 3. The results were as follows:-

Do you support the overall proposals for the new walking and cycling route? Yes No Not sure 67% (58) 26% (22) 2% (2)

5% of respondents did not answer the yes/no/not sure tick boxes, but made comments, these comments have been included in Appendix 3.

2.4 It can be seen that the proposals found favour with a majority of respondents.

2.5 Consultees were also asked if they supported individual aspects of the scheme, this is summarised in table 1 below:-

Response Different elements of River Dour Cycle Route: Not Not Phase 1 Yes No sure indicated Provision of new Toucan crossing on London Road and reduction of carriageway space and 63% 27% 4% 6% kerb alterations to create a shared footway and cycleway in the vicinity of Buckland Bridge New, wider bridge for cyclists across the River Dour adjacent to Buckland Bridge 70% 15% 9% 6% Remove traffic lane and widen existing footway to create a shared footway / cycleway from Lorne 57% 29% 8% 6% Road into Cherry Tree Avenue Improvements to pedestrian crossing creating Toucan crossing across Cherry Tree Avenue and 67% 23% 4% 6% widening of existing footway to create shared footway / cycleway into Barton Path Improvements to the pedestrian crossing at Bridge Street 74% 11% 9% 6% Reduction of carriageway space and widening 67% 18% 9% 6% existing footway to create new shared footway /

41 cycleway facility between Bridge Street and Crafford Street (once past retail access road, this then moves away from the road, around the back of the car park).

2.6 Although the percentages vary, it can be seen that the majority of respondents were in favour of each of the proposals. Nevertheless, the concerns of those who are not in favour (or those who gave qualified support) have been considered and addressed. A summary of the main concerns, and the associated recommended response, may be seen in Appendix 3.

2.7 As a result of these considerations, the scheme proposals have been amended. Revisions are recommended for the following elements, summarised in Table 2 below:

Table 2: Summary of intended revision to original proposals

Existing design Suggested revision to design Narrowing of London Road to Ensure provision of necessary footway/cycleway single lane just south of links, and upgrade existing crossing to become a Buckland Bridge with provision Toucan crossing. London Road to retain its of kerb build out and new existing 2 traffic lanes. Toucan crossing. Removal of historic bollards in alleyway between Brookfield Refurbish and reinstall existing historic bollards. Place and Alfred Road.

3. Recommendation

3.1 Subject to the views of this Board, it is recommended that the scheme is progressed taking into account the alterations as detailed in Table 2, to detailed design, processing of TRO’s and implementation.

Contact Officer:

David Barton, Local Transportation & Development Manager - Dover and Shepway KHS Transport & Development (08458 247800)

Background Papers

Appendix 1: Extract from Dover District Cycle Plan Appendix 2: River Dour Cycle Route consultation documents Appendix 3: Summary of additional comments made, and KHS responses

RIVER DOUR CYCLE ROUTE PHASE 1 – RESULTS OF CONSULTATION

APPENDIX 1 – Extract from Dover District Cycle Plan Full document available at: www.kent.gov.uk/roads_and_transport/transport_policies/cycling_strategies.aspx

RIVER DOUR CYCLE ROUTE PHASE 1 – RESULTS OF CONSULTATION

APPENDIX 2 – Consultation Documents

River Dour Cycle Route . (Phase 1: Buckland to Park Street) Dover

Public Consultation

What is being proposed? Kent Highway Services are proposing to develop a new walking and cycle route, with the intention of better linking the Buckland area with Dover Town Centre. This is the first phase in a cycle route which will eventually link National Cycle Route 1 on Dover seafront with River. This first phase is shown on the attached plan and will use the following: London Road, Brookfield Place, Alfred Road, Lorne Road, Buckland Avenue, Cherry Tree Avenue, Barton Path, Charlton Green and Dour Street.

Why do we want to do this? Currently the one way road system in Dover is seen by many cyclists as too busy to be safe, especially for children, resulting in people choosing to cycle on the pavements. The Dover District Cycle Plan identified a route following the River Dour from Buckland to the Seafront as of key importance to the town in providing a safe, near traffic free route linking residential areas with the town centre also complimenting regeneration of parts of the town. This route would also form the important backbone of a Dover Town cycle network for future cycle routes from Whitfield and River to link into and on to the national cycle network on the seafront.

What does this scheme involve? The majority of the scheme will be a signed cycle route on existing lightly trafficked roads and riverside path, however there are specific locations where additional new facilities are proposed:

• London Road south of Buckland bridge: change existing pelican crossing to toucan crossing, and building out kerbline reducing carriageway to single lane. • Minor junction alteration at Bunkers Hill to create a table top junction (raised to footway level to slow traffic) • It is intended to provide a new, wider bridge for cyclists across the river at Buckland, this will be subject to Dover District Council’s planning applications procedure. • Widen footway from the new crossing (above) around into Buckland Avenue to create a short new section of shared footway / cycleway. • Widen existing footway between Buckland Avenue Road and Cherry Tree Avenue, removing one traffic lane to create a shared footway / cycleway. • Alteration of existing traffic signals on Cherry Tree Avenue to create a new single stage Toucan crossing.

46 • Widening of footway between the above crossing and Barton Path to continue shared footway / cycleway. • Improvements to the pedestrian crossing at Bridge Street (realigning pedestrian crossing point to be in line with Charlton Green, providing more footway / cycleway space). • The footway outside the retail park at Charlton Green will be widened to create a footway / cycleway, this will then continue along a widened alleyway behind the Netto car park to Crafford Street. This element is subject to agreement by the landowner.

The above measures will be funded by a combination of Kent County Council’s integrated transport budget and match funding from Sustrans, the national cycle charity.

Where alterations to traffic lanes and traffic signals are proposed, these have been carefully examined to ensure that there will be no adverse effect on traffic flows in the area.

How do I register my views?

This information is being provided to raise awareness of the proposed improvements. KHS would like to hear from you should you wish to support these proposals or if you have any related concerns or points that you feel are appropriate to be considered as part of the progression of this scheme. Please take time to complete and post or email the feedback form for your views to be registered, to be received by no later than FRIDAY 5 th March 2010 . Following on from this, the detailed design will be progressed, taking into consideration the feedback from this consultation.

The results of the consultation will be reported to the Dover Joint Transportation Board meeting on the 15 th April 2010.

How to find out more? If you would like to find out more about the proposals, or see more detailed plans, you can do so in a number of ways:

• Call our 24hr helpline 0845 824 7800 , quoting River Dour Cycle Route . • View the proposals online at www.kent.gov.uk/roads_and_transport/using_the_road/current_consultations.aspx

Where a feedback from can be downloaded and emailed to [email protected] Or Feedback can be left using the online tool.

• View the proposals and more detailed drawings on display at the Discovery Centre at th Market Square Dover and in the foyer of the Gateway in Castle Street until 5 March. The Discovery Centre is open from 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday except on Wednesdays when it is open late until 8 and Saturday when it closes at 5. The Gateway is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturday.

An officer from Kent Highway Services will be available on Thursday 4 th and 18 th February from 12.30 until 4pm at the Discovery Centre to answer any queries.

You can also leave your completed feedback form at above two locations in the box provided.

For more information regarding Sustrans visit: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/

For more information about Dover Pride visit: http://www.doverpride.org.uk

For more information on cycling in Kent visit: www.kent.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/countryside_and_coast.aspx

49 RIVER DOUR CYCLE ROUTE (Phase 1: Buckland to Park Street)

Feedback form

Do you support the overall proposals for a new walking and cycling route?

Yes No Not sure

Do you support the specific proposals for the following locations? (more detailed plans are available to view online, at Dover Discovery Centre and the Gateway, or on request by phone – see attached leaflet for further information)

Provision of new Toucan crossing on London Road and reduction of carriageway space and kerb alterations to create a shared footway and cycleway in the vicinity of Buckland Bridge

Yes No Not sure

New, wider bridge for cyclists across the River Dour adjacent to Buckland Bridge

Yes No Not sure

Remove traffic lane and widen existing footway to create a shared footway / cycleway from Lorne Road into Cherry Tree Avenue

Yes No Not sure

Improvements to pedestrian crossing creating Toucan crossing across Cherry Tree Avenue and widening of existing footway to create shared footway / cycleway into Barton Path

Yes No Not sure

Improvements to the pedestrian crossing at Bridge Street

Yes No Not sure

Reduction of carriageway space and widening of existing footway to create new shared footway / cycleway facility between Bridge Street and Crafford Street (once past retail access road, this then moves away from the road, around the back of the car park).

Yes No Not sure

Please register any further comments in the box overleaf

Return by Friday 5th March 2010 to : Kent Highway Services, Transport & Development Team (Dover & Shepway), Ashford Highway Depot, Henwood Industrial Estate, Javelin Way, Ashford, Kent TN24 8AD. Alternatively you can email your response to [email protected]

RIVER DOUR CYCLE ROUTE PHASE 1 – RESULTS OF CONSULTATION

APPENDIX 3 – Summary of additional comments made, and recommended responses / actions

Item Comment received KHS response 1. Very concerned about the proposed Initial monitoring indicated that narrowing of London Road to a single narrowing London Road to one lane lane, this is regularly congested and would not cause a problem, however would cause chaos. following subsequent site visits coupled with public opinion, this element of the scheme will be revised:

London Road will remain 2 lanes and the parking remain at it’s current level.

2. Very concerned with the removal of Bollards will not be removed historic bollards between Brookfield altogether. It is intended that the Place and Alfred Road allowing access existing bollards be refurbished and to motorcycles. reinstalled with the addition of any necessary signing. 3. Brookfield place, Alfred Road and Lorne Cycle lanes are not proposed at these Road are too narrow for cycle lanes. locations, only a signed cycle route. 4. Brookfield Place is a small lane with an Although full resurfacing has not been extremely poor road surface. intended as part of this scheme, localised improvements may be possible. 5. I would prefer the new sections of Whether the new sections are shared footway / cycleway to be segregated or segregated will depend on the facilities rather than shared surface. available space taken from the roads (segregated have to be wider). As we still need to ensure larger vehicles are catered for on the highway, this matter will be decided upon at detail design stage of the scheme. 6. I'd like to see cycling permitted along Crabble Meadow as well. If you are The route from Crabble Meadows at going to allow cycling along the narrow Buckland Bridge, through to the River path beside the dour why not have it side of the railway line is to be funded going along this path beside the church by the developer of the Buckland Mill and under the railway bridge at the end site. of the link up to quite streets. this would If however this is not forthcoming we enable the cyclist to then cycle up to will seek alternative funding Kearnsey Abbey on friendly roads. arrangements. 7. No route signing is shown a the Buckland avenue / Lorne road junction. Agreed, direction signs will be a single gap in signing can leave cyclists provided at this location. feeling lost, so I think directional signing here is necessary. 8. Buckland and Barton road are two of the Buckland Avenue is not being busiest road in Dover. With two lanes reduced to one lane, it is being they just about cope with the amount of reduced from 3 lanes to two on the traffic but if reduced to one lane the approach to the Cherry Tree Avenue traffic would back up through the town traffic lights.

52 and up Buckland bridge / hill. Trying to pull onto either of these two roads from The kerb build outs into Buckland parking or a side road can take ten Avenue will enable better drivers minutes when you have to rely on a kind exiting Lorne Road onto Buckland motorist to let you out. or a break in Avenue to have better visibility past traffic which would not happen if down parked cars, so exiting Lorne Road to one lane. should be easier and safer.

if reduced to one lane all traffic would come to a standstill whilst a car tries to No parking is being lost on Buckland reverse park, currently traffic can move Avenue. into the other lane and is still free flowing. parking along these two roads is currently horrific for residents, we can not lose anymore parking space. 9. It was not clear if there would be any There are steps down from Limes barriers to prevent pedestrians walking Road and Charlton Avenue, where into cyclists on the Barton Path where it warning signs will be placed to make joins Limes Road and Charlton Avenue. pedestrians aware of cyclists on the I can see that there will be a sign but will Barton Path. this alone prevent a pedestrian walking The Barton Path is not wide enough into a cyclist. There are a number of to install additional barriers, however Schools in the area so a physical barrier it is very unlikely that cyclists will be as well as a sign should be utilised to cycling directly adjacent to the separate. boundary wall, so in the event of pedestrians stepping onto the path without looking there should still be time to avoid a collision.

10. Pleased with proposals, but there is a KHS will work with DDC, businesses , lack of cycle parking schools and new development in an attempt to increase cycle parking provision. 11. With regard to Barton Path this is a lovely riverside walk well used by school The Barton Path has been used children and mothers taking toddlers historically by cyclists for many years. along to feed the ducks, it seems instead of feeding ducks they will be It is a Public Right of Way designated dodging cyclists. In recent years there as a Restricted Byway, as such have been a number of reports in the cyclists are legally entitled to cycle Dover Express about cyclists knocking along it already regardless of this down pedestrians with the result of scheme. injuries to the pedestrians but none to the cyclists it seems i can recall no It is unfortunate that pedestrians are mention though of cyclists being hit by at times injured by a very small vehicles on the surrounding roads as minority of cyclists who behave badly are quite safe, in fact KCC holds all the and cycle at inappropriate speeds. accident records it seems so perhaps These irresponsible people would they can show where a cyclist has been behave like this regardless of any new injured by a vehicle in this area and facilities and most likely would cycle

53 prove the need to put cyclists on the illegally on the surrounding footways paths.. i doubt they can. also.

Barton Path is not wide enough for Crash statistics for cyclists in Dover shared use. Having cyclists will reduce Town on the roads are not abnormally the enjoyment of the river path and its high. This is because the number of wildlife cyclists is low as they are put off cycling on the very busy roads. This scheme seeks to provide a safe route away from the ring road enabling safer cycling for all. 12. Removing a lane of traffic in Buckland The loss of one traffic lane on Avenue towards the traffic lights with Buckland Avenue on the approach to Cherry Tree Avenue could also lead to the Cherry Tree Avenue junction is chaos, you should be there when the only for a length of 50m. This only school run is on to see what we mean it equates to approximately 8 cars is bad enough now without this silly which would then have to use the dangerous idea. middle lane (as existing) per cycle of the traffic lights. 13. Buckland Avenue/ Cherry Tree Avenue: There will be no loss of parking on Another stretch where we should lose Buckland Avenue or Cherry Tree road space for cycle lane. Also i think Avenue as a result of this scheme. will involve loss of parking spaces in Cherry Tree Avenue itself. Parking for shops here is already critically scarce, 14. Construction of a cycle bridge alongside The new bridge will take as small a the existing bridge must not obscure the footprint as possible, and will allow for view of the river from the existing the removal of the current footbridge. footbridge as this is extremely popular This will allow for views of the river with children and parents looking for fish from both sides of the new bridge. and feeding the ducks. 15. At Bunkers Hill Junction there is an on We are aware of the small flooding going problem with water drainage and problem at this junction and will seek this area is often flooded in medium to to solve it whilst carrying out these heavy rain conditions. improvements. 16. Cyclists crossing the pavement at the The table junction is ramped thus 'table top' junction to the pavement intended to slow vehicles before the along London Road will be cycling at get to the area where they would speed. It will be a dangerous crossing interact with cycles and pedestrians. point for cyclists who may be taken unaware by drivers coming down Give way lines on the cycleway will Bunters Hill. indicate that the road will still have priority.

17. Can the cycle route not go through the The car park is in Dover District car park near Buckland Bridge? Council’s ownership, and although they are in favour of the scheme, it is preferable where possible to place new facilities adjacent to the highway to enable ease of maintenance.

54 18. Removal of traffic lane from Lorne Road Assumption that Buckland Avenue is might cause issues for lorries turning referred to rather than Lorne Road; into Cherry Tree Avenue lorry tracking movement will be checked at detail design to ensure lorries will be able to turn. 19. Alfred Road. Is not suitable for Being a quietly trafficked cul-de-sac, increased cycle usage - it is a narrow this precisely why Alfred Road is residential cul de sac. suitable for a cycle route.