Otley Town Partnership - Transport Group - Policy Statements Approved by the Otp Directors

OTLEY TOWN PARTNERSHIP - TRANSPORT GROUP - POLICY STATEMENTS APPROVED BY THE OTP DIRECTORS

TRAFFIC

POLICY POLICY DESCRIPTION SUPPORTING COMMENTS Eastern Relief Road  OTP have long supported the principle of an  OTC seeking matched funding to carry out eastern bypass/relief road impact assessment  Should an east of Otley development be approved OTP believes that a bypass from Pool Road to the Leeds Road (roundabout) is essential and that this should be built and functioning before the rest of the development HGV Ban  OTP supports a north/south HGV ban  This would have the effect of restricting all HGVs without business in the town from travelling via Newall Carr Road and Billams Hill, and prevent HGV movements through the town centre.  OTP Supports the principle of an east/west HGV ban – but acknowledges that the eastern by-pass would need to be constructed before this becomes a reality Pedestrianisation  OTP realises that there is not a consensus  Potential ‘tests’ could be established on amongst experts as to whether Farmers’ Market days via Road Closure Orders pedestrianisation works….  However OTP would support a limited pedestrianized scheme (when an eastern bypass is in place) to operate between the traffic lights in Manor Square to the Traffic lights at Wesley Street. 20mph zones  OTP supports the 20mph scheme for the  Scheme implemented south of the river residential streets south of the river  OTP supports the extension to residential streets north of the river Road safety  OTP supports initiatives to improve road safety and is committed to explore the use of speed indicator radar devices (OTP acknowledge that there are different schools of thought as to  Audrey Cartwright Cup now in its third year whether these measures are effective)  OTP supports the work of the Road Safety Committee – and continues to support (through the awarding of the Audrey Cartwright cup) the annual road safety quiz (for local schools)  OTP supports the provision of further pedestrian crossings in town should be explored – possible sites include Bridge Street (Manor Garth), Burras Lane (near Waitrose) Bridge  OTP is persuaded that it is difficult to promote a second bridge option as there is little consensus about where this would be placed and what would be required to fund construction (presumably considerable additional housing)  OTP is persuaded that the existing bridge, and particularly the pedestrian bridge needs attention and give qualified support for the existing structure to be widened.  OTP believes that any widening scheme should incorporate a two-way cycle lane and pedestrian crossing. One-way systems  OTP supports the limited one-way system on Walkergate/Charles Street  OTP is open to explore other potential one-way routes but reserves its right to consider each proposal on its merit.

CYCLING/PEDESTRIANS

POLICY POLICY DESCRIPTION SUPPORTING COMMENTS Improved cycling environment  OTP is already a signatory to the ‘Do You Ride’ Cycling strategy – it therefore goes without saying that OTP supports moves to improve the environment for cyclists Wharfedale Greenway initiative  OTP supports the initiative to establish a  Awaiting results of June 14 consultation cycleway utilising the old railway line – would see a link from Pool in Wharfedale via Otley to Burley in Wharfedale. Cycling to Schools  OTP supports safe cycling to schools initiatives and believes that every encouragement should be given to support pupils cycling (and scootering) to school Designated Public Footpaths  OTP believes that Otley’s footpaths need protecting, maintaining & improving and that the public rights of way definitive map needs to be as up to date as possible. Improved town-centre cycling routes  OTP believes that improved designated cycle routes through the town need to be identified and protected Shared footpaths/cycleways  OTP believe that there should be an attempt to reach a consensus around which routes would be ‘safe’ for dual usage. Cycle provision within new developments  OTP believe that all new developments should contain adequate provision for cyclists (dedicated cycle routes/paths etc)

PARKING

POLICY POLICY DESCRIPTION SUPPORTING COMMENTS Car Parking  OTP broadly supports the strategy that would designate the Licks Car-Park as a ‘free’ facility and to introduce ‘pay and display’ parking in all other car-parks.  Better signage Supermarkets  OTP supports the current planning conditions imposed upon the Sainsbury’s car-park and would not support any relaxation of this ‘free’ town centre parking facility Coach ‘drop-off’ points  OTP supports the proposals to introduce  Implemented improved coach drop-off and parking on Boroughgate and Cattle Market Street  OTP believes that more permanent coach parking needs to be identified – and provision for more temporary accommodation for specific events.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

POLICY POLICY DESCRIPTION SUPPORTING COMMENTS Otley Bus Station  OTP supports the transfer of the Bus Station management to METRO Railway Station  Although it is acknowledged that it is long-term objective OTP continues to support the return of a railway to the town  OTP believes that all future planning should take account of and protect the old line Improved Bus Links  OTP supports increased bus usage and seeks to encourage METRO and bus companies to provide better bus links (circular link)– particularly with Bradford  OTP supports the bus service serving Leeds/Bradford Airport and believes that the Airport owners should be encouraged to continue the subsidising this service.