Kingswood The Park Primary School Orchard Road - Proposed Zebra Crossing Feedback Report February 2014

Purpose of the report

This report is to feedback the results from the recent consultation on a proposed Zebra crossing in Orchard Road, Kingswood. The report has the following sections:  Background  Feedback from the consultation  Future programme

Background A bid by the Hollow Road Action Group has secured funding from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund for a new Zebra crossing on Orchard Road near Bellevue Road. The proposal to introduce a Zebra crossing on Orchard Road close to the Park Primary School is included in the Local Sustainable Transport Funded Schemes budget for the 2013/2014 financial year.

Feedback from consultation A total of 7 responses were received from Councillors, Police and residents of Orchard Road and Bellevue Road, no objections were received.

Councillors are in support of the proposed crossing, The Police commented that the scheme should meet the aspirations of the statement of reasons, this should be achieved in providing a formal crossing on the pedestrian desire line with good visibility and an improved carriageway surface in the vicinity of the crossing.

Orchard Road (3 responses)

 Understanding of the reasons for the crossing but zig-zag lines will push parking further along the road; speeds and carriageway condition are problems that need attention.  Concerned that it will de-value property prices, please place hoods on the beacons. Could zig-zag lines be shortened to reduce the effect of available space for residents to park?  Concern about the position of the crossing close to Bellevue Road, suggest a stop line in Bellevue Road and extend the waiting time in the nearby lay-by to reduce parking on Orchard Road. Introduce a 20mph speed limit on Orchard Road in the vicinity of the crossing.

Bellevue Road (1 response)  No objections to the proposed Zebra crossing. Concerns that the road is a rat run for vehicles avoiding the Kingswood High Street and the crossing will encourage children to run across the road.  The crossing will cause vehicles to park further along Orchard Road, suggest putting bollards around the mouth of Bellevue Road to prevent dropped crossings being obstructed.  Will covers be used on beacons?

The Zebra crossing is proposed to encourage increased levels of walking and cycling to the Park Primary school.

During the school arrival and closing times vehicles are parked in an inconsiderate manner and obstruct junctions and footpaths on the roads around the Park Primary School, this includes parking on footpaths, dropped kerbs and obstructing the existing crossing facility where the Zebra crossing is proposed. The Zebra crossing will have zig-zag lines to keep visibility for both pedestrians and drivers approaching the crossing. Some lines are to be reduced to lessen the effect on residents parking on the eastbound leaving side of the crossing. The carriageway on the approaches to the crossing is to be re-surfaced to give a suitable surface for vehicles approaching the crossing.

The crossing beacons will have hoods fitted to reduce any nuisance to adjacent properties.

A stop line at the junction of Bellevue Road is inappropriate. However the give way line will be relined to be clearly visible to drivers. Waiting time in the lay- by is intended for short term parking and lengthening this is likely to remove space when it is needed at school times. Consideration is being given to introducing a 20mph speed limit around the school as part of a separate scheme.

Future Programme

It is proposed that following this consultation, the Proposed Zebra crossing should be progressed to Public advert.