Almondsbury, Pilning and Severn Beach - Severnside Walking and Cycling - Improvements to National Cycleway Network Route 4 between Cribbs Causeway and Severn Beach Feedback Report
Purpose of the report
The purpose of this report is to feedback the results from the recent consultation on the proposed improvements to the National Cycleway Network route 4 between Cribbs Causeway and Severn Beach.
Background
Highways England is currently developing a new junction on the M49, constructed to accommodate employment and commercial development in the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA). In support of the junction, designs are being tabled to upgrade cycling and walking infrastructure around the ASEA. This includes improvements to National Cycleway Network (NCN) Route 4 between Cribbs Causeway and Severn Beach which is funded through Highway England’s Designated Fund for Cycling, Safety and Integration. Sustrans, with Mott MacDonald Sweco Joint Venture, completed a feasibility study and outline design for the scheme on behalf of Highways England which South Gloucestershire Council is taking forward to construction.
South Gloucestershire Council, using funding from Highways England will be progressing the scheme through public consultation, detailed design and construction.
Purpose of the Scheme
The purpose of this scheme is to make improvements to the NCN Route 4 between Cribbs Causeway and Severn Beach, upgrading the cycling and walking infrastructure around the ASEA.
Proposed Scheme
The proposed scheme comprises the following: The closure of Hollywood Lane 30mph speed limit on Berwick Lane / Bowstreet Lane Junction modifications at: o Hollywood Lane, Berwick Lane/Bowstreet Lane junction o Bowstreet Lane and Farm Lane junction Improvements to Farm Lane Provision of parallel crossings at side roads along Govier Way Bridleway improvements 20mph zone including traffic calming measures in Severn Beach Zebra crossing on Ableton Lane near Severn Beach primary school.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 1
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk
Consultation
Consultation took place between 18 February 2019 and 29 March 2019. Details of the proposals including a plan and statement of reasons were posted on the South Gloucestershire website. The Council sent letters advising of the consultation to all properties affected by the proposals. In addition, notices were posted and maintained in the area for the 3 week consultation period. Local members, the Town Council and emergency services, amongst other statutory stakeholders were invited by email to view the consultation. Two drop-in sessions were held, one at Severn Beach Village Hall with approximately 50 attendees and the other at Easter Compton Village Hall with approximately 40 attendees.
Feedback from the consultation
There were 66 individuals and organisations that responded to the consultation via the questionnaire and eight other responses.
The respondents were asked to fill out a questionnaire. Figures 1 - 11 show the results from the questionnaire.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 2
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk
Figure 1 Figure 2
Figure 3 Figure 4
Figure 5 Figure 6
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 3
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk
Figure 7 Figure 8
Figure 9 Figure 10
Figure 11
The comments received as part of the consultation have now been reviewed. The comments/concerns received via the online questionnaire are in appendix A, all other comments received are in appendix B.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 4
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk Future Programme
In light of the responses received at consultation and the fact that the majority supported the proposals, the elements of the scheme that require permanent Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s) will now be sent to the Councils Legal Team for formal advertisement.
The proposals have been amended as the design has progressed to the detailed design stage and to address any concerns raised during the Stage 1 Road Safety Audit. The main change is the proposal to use speed cushions in place of the speed tables originally proposed to avoid any potential issues with ground borne vibrations. Other changes include the following:
Hollywood Lane
Road closure proposed at top (near the Activity Centre) and at the bottom (near Manor Farm).
Closure to be instigated by the use of heavy concrete blocks. The planter shown on the Sustrans drawing would add to the Council’s ongoing maintenance liabilities and is therefore no longer proposed.
Bowstreet Lane
Overrun areas introduced as part of the proposed junction modifications at the junction of Bowstreet Lane and Hollywood Lane and at the junction of Bowstreet Lane and Farm Lane.
Farm Lane
The proposed shelter and seating has been deleted. The proposed bollards have been replaced with heavy concrete blocks following concerns raised during consultation about security and potential fly tipping. Alternative seating is being considered along the whole route.
Govier Way
Location of parallel crossings adjusted to reduce the chance of long vehicles stopping at the crossing and blocking the circulatory carriageway on the roundabouts.
Severn Beach
Proposed speed tables replaced with speed cushions.
Shaft Road – Shaft Road is now included in the proposed 20mph zone.
Green Lane – following comments received during the consultation it is proposed to reduce the speed limit on Green Lane between the M49 bridge and Severn Beach from 50mph to 30mph.
Beach Avenue – The proposed speed table at the northern junction of Beach Road and Beach Avenue deleted and replaced by speed cushions outside 56 and 62 Beach Avenue.
Beach Road – Alignment of proposed parking bays outside 157, 159 and 161 Beach Road revised. Proposed speed table near 100 Beach Road deleted. Proposed speed table outside Down’s Bakery deleted and replaced with a build-out.
Station Road - The proposed contraflow cycle lane has been extended further to the west. The bus stop outside the railway station to remain in its existing location. The proposed speed table outside rail station deleted, replaced by speed cushions and an uncontrolled crossing outside Crossing Cottage. The changes at the access into Stride Close have been scaled down as Stride Close is not adopted highway.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 5
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk Mini roundabout (Station Road, Gorse Cover Road, Ableton Lane) – the raised table and crossings have been deleted and tactile paving has been introduced at the crossing points.
Church Road – the proposed island and tree at the corner of Church Road and Little Green Lane to be deleted and road markings used instead.
Ableton Lane – proposed zebra crossing relocated to the north of Albert Road. Proposed speed tables outside school and village hall deleted. The kerbing works outside the school has been deleted as this area is not adopted.
Depending on the comments received at the public advertisement stage, it is anticipated that the works in Severn Beach will be carried out early 2020.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 6
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk Additional Information and Council’s Response
1. Hollywood Lane
Proposed road closure Follow comments received, it is proposed to close Hollywood Lane at the top and bottom to minimise the chances of fly tipping. Closure is likely to be achieved by using large concrete blocks with a 1.5m wide gap.
Congestion Hollywood Lane is a rat run and is unsuitable for large vehicles and large volumes of traffic.
Emergency vehicle access Emergency vehicles would have to use an alternative and more suitable route.
Equestrians It is intended that Hollywood Lane will continue to be available for use by horse riders after closure to motorised vehicles.
Make Hollywood Lane one way One way working could increase traffic speeds and compromise road safety.
Footway on Blackhorse Hill The provision of a footway on Blackhorse Hill would be very expensive and not straightforward to construct due to the existing trees, wall and existing slopes.
2. Bowstreet Lane, Berwick Lane
Cycle lanes
Cycle lanes are not proposed along Bowstreet Lane or Berwick Lane because there is insufficient width to provide them. Consideration will be given to installing cycle symbol road markings only.
Sat Navs Signing warning drivers not to follow Sat Navs will be retained.
Access only signs With the exception of the existing 7.5t weight limit, drivers are not restricted from using Bowstreet Lane or Berwick Lane. It is not possible to sign it as access only.
3. Farm Lane
Barrier Issues in the past with travellers and with fly tipping mean the access control / gate to the north of the church will have to be substantial. Options are currently being discussed with Sustrans.
Mud The Farm Lane carriageway has been sided out and swept recently to make the full width of carriageway available. However, it is appreciated that mud will accumulate again over time.
Lighting We are considering using solar road studs, however, this is subject to advice from ecologists and there being sufficient funds available for this element.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 7
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk
Resurfacing It is intended to carryout repairs and resurface the carriageway on the northern section of Farm Lane.
Shelter/seat Following comments received during consultation it is no longer proposed to install a shelter at Farm Lane but the possibility of providing seats on the route is being considered.
Alternative route between Hollywood Lane and Farm Lane using Berwick Lane and bridleway The existing national cycleway network route uses Bowstreet Lane and there are no plans to change this at present.
4. Govier Way
Lorries parking across crossings The introduction of the parallel crossings will prevent lorries parking at these crossing points.
5. Bridleways
Signage to warn others users how to act when passing horse riders Discussions will be held with the SGC public rights of way team and the possibility of erecting such signs will be considered.
6. Severn Beach
Approach from the north (Redwick/New Passage) Following comments received during consultation it is proposed to implement a 30mph speed limit on the approach to Severn Beach from the north.
Bus stop outside station The Stage 1 Road Safety Audit raised safety concerns about relocating the bus stop outside the station. It is therefore intended to leave it in its existing location.
Car park There is an aspiration to provide a car park in Severn Beach, however, this is dependent on acquiring land and securing funding.
Heavy Goods Vehicles Enforcement of the 7.5T weight limit is an issue for the police.
Little Green Lane The suggestion of making Little Green Lane a cul-de-sac has been suggested, however, it is not intended to make any changes.
Parking outside school Issues arising when parents dropping their children off at school will be raised with the Assess and Decide Team.
Pinch points, narrowings, chicanes Chicanes have a poorer accident record than speed tables and cushions (especially for 2 wheeled vehicles) and can cause conflicts between drivers.
20mph speed limit or speed bumps are not needed
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 8
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk The aim of the scheme is to improve facilities for cyclists. Reducing speeds is a measure used to achieve this aim. It improves road safety and would make these roads more attractive to less confident cyclists.
Speed cushions As a precautionary measure, we will use speed cushions instead of speed tables as they produce lower levels of vibrations. The ground at Severn Beach is made up of alluvium soil. The ground borne vibration created by vehicles driving over road humps can have a detrimental effect on surrounding properties due to the makeup of this soil. In order to mitigate this, the road humps have been changed to speed cushions as they create less ground borne vibration.
Zebra Crossing (Ableton Lane) Following the comments received during the consultation exercise and concerns about parking is it proposed to locate the zebra crossing between Albert Road and the village hall.
7. Pilning and Easter Compton
Routes to north, including improvements at the Binn Wall and New Passage These improvements focus on National Cycleway Network Route 4 between Cirbbs Causeway and Severn Beach. The works currently proposed only extend as far north as Severn Beach. There are aspirations to look further to the north but the current proposals had to focus on what could be delivered with the project timescale.
Discussions have taken place between the Environment Agency and Sustrans regarding the use of the Binn Wall by cyclists but nothing has been agreed to date.
Footway between M5 junction 17 and Easter Compton The provision of a footway between M5 junction 17 and Easter Compton would be very expensive and is beyond the scope of the current scheme.
A403 footway/cycle facilities near Whitehouse Farm Comments have been received regarding the A403 between Pilning and the Western Approaches junction. A separate investigation scheme has been proposed to investigate the options and the feasibility of providing a footway or shared used path on this section of the A403.
8. Other
The scheme benefits cyclists only The funding is specifically to make improvements for walking and cycling.
Form of consultation, document quality, traffic flows, no descriptions of individual features The consultation followed the standard StreetCare consultation process.
Glass/debris – need for monthly sweeping Cleansing is carried out following the StreetCare cleansing regime.
Request for realtime bus information Realtime bus information is outside the scope of the scheme.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 9
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk Appendix A
Comments received at Consultation via the online Officer’s response questionnaire The Severn Beach proposed changes are good - as far as they go. My response Thanks for your comments, see Note relates to New Passage which has been overlooked, forgotten or neglected. 7 above.
New Passage is heavily used by pedestrians including residents, schoolchildren, dog walkers, bird watchers and nature lovers. It is the preferred access point to the level and surfaced Binn Wall (England Coastal Path) for our disabled visitors, avoiding the steep slopes at Severn Beach.
The vehicle gates onto the Binn Wall must remain closed and locked, except for access by permitted residents and other authorised users. The existing gates are not at all wheelchair or buggy friendly. Please remember that the glass flood protection wall at New Passage is partly there for the benefit of disable users, amongst others, to enjoy the views - which is pointless if they cannot access the Binn Wall.
Cyclist increasingly use the coastal path as a level and safe route between Severn Beach and New Passage, in preference to the official road route of Cycle Path #4. I don't want to discourage cycling, but there should be clear signs reminding cyclists to give way to walkers who have priority. Cycling organisations continually suggested the Binn Wall is a cycle path, which it isn't. Here is an example on Map My Ride, one of many: https://www.mapmyride.com/gb/severn-beach-eng/new-passage-end-pilning- over-m49-off-roa-course-1515850
More seriously, the berm flood defences from New Passage to Aust are increasingly used by off-road cyclist who degrade the footpath faster than thousands of walkers. This should be discouraged with better signage. Why build new flood defences costing £85,000,000 and allow them to be damaged?
The lower portion of New Passage has, so far in 2019, missed 50% of our scheduled grey bin refuse collections. We are told that your vehicle cannot get down to the end of the road due to parked cars. Getting refuse collected requires residents to call and complain - a waste of SGDC time and ours, as well as rate- payers money. Promises of a discussion with the Refuse Manager have been made, but never kept.
Consideration should be given to providing proper parking for the many visitors enjoying New Passage, the SSSI and views over the Severn, as well as the local heritage trail. Or they should be discouraged to park away from New Passage, with signs for public parking in Severn Beach. This could be supplemented by double yellow lines and residents' only permits in New Passage (which I'm not in favour of by the way).
There is sufficient (scrub) land that cannot be used for other building purposes. This might be acquired for a visitors' car park? Today, as just one example, cars and a small truck 'conspired', perhaps innocently, to throttle the lane so much that cars could only pass with great difficulty (about 5cm each side of my car with somebody kindly guiding me through the gap). Emergency vehicles, couriers often have zero chance of accessing the far end of New Passage, should they need to, and there are no alternative routes in/out.
New Passage would benefit from a 20mph speed limit in my opinion. The slope down from the motorway bridge encourages cars to build up speed and drive far faster than the 30mph limit. There are many houses and entrances that are blind to passing traffic with the risk that a person (especially a child) or animal could come onto the road with little chance of the vehicle stopping. At night the road is
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 10
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk pitch black (which is good from a light pollution perspective), so spotting darkly- clothed pedestrians is a challenge.
One area of New Passage has been badly neglected. Multiple attempts have been made to patch up the road surface, but the underlying problem remains - heave of an old drainage pipe or subsidence of the ground either side. Whatever the cause, the result is an invisible 'sleeping policeman' that causes many cars to ground their suspension on, fly into the air and temporarily lose control (even at 20mph). From a personal perspective, I cannot drive over this mound in my low ground clearance sports car, meaning I have to park that at a relative's garage in Henbury.
We desperate need more bins for dog owners, plus reminders about the fines they could incur when their dogs foul public places.
The Binn Wall is used day and night (night fishing is very popular here). For the safety of pedestrians, there should be signage to remind Environment Agency vehicles including their contractors to drive at a VERY SLOW speed (max 3mph?) along the Binn Wall when they genuinely need access. Removable bollards would be a good idea too, encouraging EA vehicles to use the correct access point, not the one that is most 'convenient' for them.
The alternative is a slalom of one tonne rocks which allows pedestrians/buggies to use the path but blocks the wrong thoroughfare. I've reminded EA several times that I'll gladly donate and place these rocks if they persist in speeding over my property. Closure of Hollywood Lane will further imprison residents of Easter Compton who Thanks for your comments. are gradually unable to move around the local because of development around the village and surroundings areas. The B4055 traffic approaches Easter Compton at 40mph if people stick to the Thanks for your comments. speed limit (which they often don’t). You can't see that far to the right from the Berwick Road Junction up the road which makes it dangerous to turn right. The The 20mph zone proposed as part of same applies to the (lower) Over lane junction with the B4055. this scheme covers Severn Beach I therefore propose the 20mph zone is extended to the Over lane junction. only. Proposals for traffic calming in Easter Compton were consulted upon recently under a separate consultation. I think 20 mph for Severn Beach is too slow. 30 is fine IF drivers adhere to it. It Thanks for your comments. seems as if those of us who stick to 30 are being punished for the actions of those who don't and they will continue to disregard the limit even if it is reduced. Roads are intended for cars and it just seems as if councils and government are constantly prioritising pedestrians and cyclists. Speed humps and a 20mph zone in Severn Beach is badly needed. Thanks for your comments. The scheme is well thought out and I support it 100%. I do not agree with the 20mph speed limit in Severn Beach nor the traffic calming Thanks for your comments. measures.
Most of the proposals listed appear to be mainly for the benefit of cyclists (who will not be affected by the 20mph speed limit as they cannot be identified), not the majority of local people.
Also, there is no mention of research or a published report that justifies the expenditure involved. I think the scheme is a good idea , however, I have a few comments : Thanks for your comments. See Note 3 above Farm Lane gets very wet and muddy, mainly as a result of poor drainage. This Lane is also used by the farmer from Church Farm to access fields, this leaves mud on the road. The design of the path needs to take this into account.
Farm Lane is sometimes used by HGVs trying to access Severnside, these are mostly foreign lorries with Sat Navs which show incorrectly that Farm Lane is an access point. Because of this the Junction with Bowstreet Lane gets "wrecked" Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 11
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk by HGVs trying to turn. If possible you need to build in some features to stop this happening.
I like the idea of shelters, but I fear they would be vandalised, I suggest money is spent elsewhere". I generally support the scheme as a whole. I agree with the zebra crossings, Thanks for your comments. See surfacing and junction improvements and bus stop upgrades. Note 6 above.
I have concerns about 20mph zones for the whole of Severn Beach and perhaps the use of speed bumps. I understand the safety issues about 20mph zones but it is very difficult to drive at that low speed. Also I do not think that it would be adhered to by many people and the police do not have the resources to monitor this.
As a leisure cyclist I like the idea of more and improved cycleways. However, as a car driver, I do not think they are used by many cyclists. St Andrews Road, Avonmouth has cycleways and they are not always used by cyclists. There used to be 2 lanes for drivers on St Andrews Road but the road was narrowed to widen the footpath for cyclists. It now takes twice as long to drive down St Andrews Road than it used to. I would not want that to happen with this scheme. Unless cyclists are forced to use cycleways (where provided) then this scheme is a waste of money.
I also think that what Severn Beach really needs at the moment is a car park for visitors. On a sunny week-end cars are parked anywhere, on grass verges, pavements and opposite one another (meaning that emergency vehicles cannot get through). A car park could also be used by people who drive to Severn Beach and leave their cars to catch the train into Bristol. Perhaps a car park could be considered along with these other proposals. "I am not sure about closure of Hollywood Lane. It could be unpopular with Thanks for your comments. See locals. I will see more details (I hope) at the drop-in sessions. Notes 1 and 7 above.
Pilning has been left out of this improvement. The CNR 41 from Avonmouth has been much improved as far as Severn Beach, but then cyclist have a very dangerous stretch of the A403 to the traffic lights at Pilning. Cycling commuters do not want to be bothered with turning left towards Severn Beach and little green lane and doing a large loop (on CNR4 and 41) to the Pilning crossroads.
Another route to Pilning is only possible in dry weather. This is from Over Lane/ Badger Lane and then along a bridle way to Shaymoor Lane into Pilning. Part of this track gets very muddy and impassable on a bike. It is a useful route from The Mall, from Bradley Stoke, and from Almondsbury. And will probably be a good access to The Wave." These proposals will improve my cycle to work beyond measure. Thanks for your comments. See Notes 3 and 4 above. I have two areas of concern,
1, the improvements to farm lane being degraded by tractor use spreading mud and creating a one foot wide cycle path in the centre as is the case now, also when the foliage is cut back the debris is left behind some coursing punctures, some so large as to be a danger.
2, lorry parking on western approach distribution park, at present lorries park on cycle lanes and close to junctions and crossing points making routes across the estate slower and to a degree more dangerous, this if unchecked will become a far bigger problem when the M49 junction is open. Farm lane is already a good cycle route, although the bottom end at Western Thanks for your comments. Approach can be problematic, resurfacing along the entire length would seem like environmental vandalism! Plus where would we ride while you resurfaced it. The closure of Hollywood lane seems a disproportionate response to the problem of inconsiderate cars. Overall I am sure this money could be spent in a better way improving the lives of cyclists and pedestrians in and around Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 12
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk Severnside e.g. Zebra crossing in Easter Compton.
I think the reduction in speed limits and the improvements in and around Severn Beach are a great idea and look forward to them being implemented. I haven't heard of any evidence that 20mph is required throughout Severn Beach Thanks for your comments. or Pilning. A pedestrian crossing outside the Severn Beach school makes sense Enforcement of weight limit in Severn but again, no evidence that speed bumps are required here or in Pilning. This is Beach is a police matter. wasted money, which you claim to be short of, and these bumps also hinder ambulances which is not helpful particularly in an older generation area. This particular pot of money would be better put to use removing the ever increasing number of vehicles over 7.5 tons which are hurtling up and down the B4055 and which WILL lead to a bad accident before long. We don't need the speed reduced there, we need the HGV removed by enforcing existing law. Spend some money on getting the Police to do that. Please, focus on what is important and needed, not what isn't. We live in villages and don’t need to copy central Bristol just to conform to their requirements and specifications. Sustrans 22B Junction Modification of island, Bow St La and Farm Lane. Good Thanks for your comments. idea left turn (2m wide) from Hallen end into Farm La. Existing island was a nice triangle of grass before the HGV went over it and S Glos failed to protect the edges which have now been eroded.
We need to keep the grass triangle, but protect the left hand edge from vehicles turning left (from Hallen end), by installing high concrete kerbs, such as shown in the photos below. Theses have been successfully used on the corner of the junction of Over Lane and Blackhorse Hill (Easter Compton). Hence the photos. These finally stopped the HGV from cutting the corner and damaging the grassland. Adding boulders has been tried in the past but were stolen soon after installation, never to be seen again. Does the proposed zebra crossing in Ableton Lane, Severn Beach mean we Thanks for your comments. See wont be able to park outside of our house where we have been parking since Note 6 above. 1986.Most of the pupils are driven to school and by the look of it there will be nowhere for them to park. Whoever designed this scheme should come down to the school at 8.30 to 9.00 or at 3.00 to 3.30 to see what goes on .No one will use the zebra crossing and it would be a waste of more money .i.e the cycle path from Avonmouth to Western approach. Cyclists do not seem to want to use cycle paths. Also I would like the 4 large conifers on your land removed as they are causing problems. Many thanks I don't support Road humps in Severn Beach from past experience on my road Thanks for your comments. See i.e. firstly, every time a vehicle used to go over the nearest one to our property Notes 1 and 7 above. the vibration ran through our house like an earth tremor (we lobbied the council to remove them and eventually they did): secondly, the humps never slowed anyone down, the boy racers just bumped over them. I would support a chicane arrangement. Question: has anyone costed the speed calming measures against having speed cameras instead?
I am a regular cyclist using many local routes. The Hollywood Hill would need blocking off from both sides to prevent abuse e.g. thieves leaving cars there and setting them alight, but for safety reasons Emergency Services may still need the ability to gain access?
Berwick Lane seems to attract numerous people with bad driving habits e.g. using mobiles whilst driving and police I have spoken to don’t show any real interest in catching them. Drivers seem to think BL is a road where you can get away with breaking the law so I can't see 30 mph speed limit signs on their own making much impact on road safety, can you?
Farm Lane used to regularly attract travellers parking down there and their presence and loose dogs could be quite intimidating, so FL would need blocking off from unwelcome camper vans etc.
Severn Road in Hallen runs close to the other end of the big industrial estate and the mini-industrial estate on SR has a road which comes within 100 - 200 yards Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 13
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk of the big industrial estate. As the latter has a good cycle lane network it would make a great deal of sense to link it to SR at this point. That would give cyclists a practical alternative to avoid the most dangerous part of Severn Road (near where the new recycling plant is being constructed i.e. where pot holes remain untreated, drivers drive with bad habits and HGVs are ever on the increase) i.e. a route that wouldn’t add the extra mile onto the journey from Severn Beach up to Henbury that using FL / Berwick Lane does. It would also help with the frustration of the A403 cycleway regularly being out of action (currently closed until summer 2019 on the South Glos side and the BCC off road section close by is not well maintained and gets very overgrown in summer).
Pilning is being ignored in your current plans i.e. to cycle to the industrial estate from Pilning requires you to use a non-cycling friendly stretch of the A403 with the only alternative being a considerable diversion through Severn Beach. What can be done about this?
There is currently a project underway to improve the sea defences from Aust to Avonmouth and this is due to start next year. Will we see some joined up thinking in terms of seizing the opportunity to create a coastal off-road cycle / walking route along these defences in the way we currently have between Severn Beach and New Passage? I would expect the access limitations on Hollywood Lane to be accessible to Thanks for your comments. horse riders.
Similarly, the improved crossings on Govier Way and the improved junctions on Bowstreet Lane and Farm Lane.
I am pleased to see the plans to retain an unsurfaced bridleway between the A403 and Church Road. I have some concerns about the upkeep of the bridleway as in some instances the unbound surface of a shared route has been allowed to overgrow.
I support all traffic calming and speed reduction measures as unfortunately horse riders have to use highways to reach off road paths.
I welcome the suggestion of a shared path between Ableton Road and Govier Way. Firstly, I feel that the overall number of speed humps proposed in the village Thanks for your comments. See should be reduced as those of us who live in the village and drive backwards and Note 6 above. forwards several times a day would be adversely affected, and particularly the suspension of our cars. Residents usually drive quite slowly on the approach to the shops in Beach Avenue as they are looking for parking spaces.
Secondly, the proposed zebra crossing near Severn Beach school (which I support) would reduce the on street parking for the residents on Ableton Lane across from the school. In addition currently quite a number of commuters from outside the area use Ableton Lane for parking when they take the train into Bristol. Both these problems could be solved by turning the waste ground adjacent to the railway station into a car park. This may require a compulsory purchase order. Currently the land is not used, is overgrown and unsightly. As much as I want people to slow down the raised tables throughout Severn Thanks for your comments. See Beach are not a good idea. When using them daily they are horrible. If we are to Note 6 above. have a 20mph zone we do not need the raised tables.
I do not like the damage done to cars from scrapping in the bottom if more than one person is in the car or a heavy load.
I do not appreciate the jolt that causes discomfort with back pain and a number of other illness.
I also do not appreciate that there will be no alternative route to avoid them if we wanted to from Albert Road. A choice to go a longer but bump free road would be Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 14
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk great.
There must be alternative ways to slow traffic that does not impact us in such an uncomfortable way on a daily basis.
As for the Zebra crossing in front of the school, that I support completely. We have needed a safe spot to cross for a long time. I oppose the proposed 30mph speed limit on Berwick Lane/ Bowstreet Lane. I Thanks for your comments. live on Berwick Lane, and this speed limit would significantly inconvenience me and my family several times per day driving to or from my home
I oppose the closure of Hollywood Lane to traffic. I use Hollywood Lane from preference when driving home from the direction of the A4018. In any case, relatively few cyclists use Hollywood Lane compared with Berwick Lane/Bowstreet Lane as it is too steep. I am a cyclist myself, and typically do not use Hollywood Lane. I would not use it on a bike, even if it were traffic free.
I am indifferent to the proposed junction improvement at Farm Lane/Bowstreet Lane. The existing junction is perfectly safe and adequate for all road user
I support the proposed improvement to Farm Lane.
I do not have a view about the proposed improvements north of the M49. I disagree with the proposed 30 mph speed limit along Berwick Lane. As a Thanks for your comments. resident, such a drastic reduction would greatly impact any commute in or out of my home. Furthermore, the proposed reduced speed limit is hugely unnecessary, as there are rarely accidents on Berwick Lane, and almost no pedestrians.
I also disagree with the closure to Hollywood Lane, as I frequently use it getting to/from work when the Cribbs Causeway/M5 is congested. Furthermore, the safety of bikes should not be a concern for that lane as bikes rarely use it due to the steep incline. If the closure of Hollywood Lane goes ahead ( a good thing), it will need to be Thanks for your comments. See closed at the top (by the activity centre) and also just above Manor Farm to Note 1 above. prevent it turning into a hill climbing race track. Obviously the houses from Manor Farm down will need vehicular access.
Also, the new 'dead end' created at the top will need monitoring to prevent more fly tipping and anti social behaviour. On behalf of the British Horse Society, as Gloucestershire Branch Safety Advisor Thanks for your comments. and South West Regional Advisor, I am very much in support of the improvements to the bridleways in this area. Horses are often the one Vulnerable Road User Group that gets forgotten and the creation of multiuser tracks is a solution that suits every VRU. However, my one concern is signage, cyclists and walkers need to know how to react when they see a horse. Very often other users are also drivers and as such are told to be quiet when passing horses e.g. no engine revving or horn blowing. On rural paths it is the very opposite, walkers should make themselves seen, keep dogs on leads and either continue to walk quietly or stand still. Cycles, the vision of horses is restricted and although they can hear, they cannot see anything approaching from behind until almost level with shoulder. The key for cyclists is to call out to the rider to warn of a bike behind. So my advice for several points along the new route is signage to reflect this safety message. I agree with you closing Hollywood hill however what about the local horse Thanks for your comments. See riders? My daughter hacks her horses down Hollywood very often and it leads Note 1 above. her to great bridle paths and it also is a lot safer as she can come of the main road! I think you need to take a big consideration of the local horse riders as they have the same right as the cycles! I hope you take my response to consideration as horse riders really need to be part of things!!! I am supporting this application. Thanks for your comments. See Note 1 above. Hollywood Lane is a fatally waiting to happen. There is an increased use of Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 15
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk Hollywood Lane by Sat Navers, people who are unfamiliar with the road and local businesses. There are a lot of recovery vehicles using the single track lane as a cut through from and to the motorway. Essentially the lane is currently a 60 mph road, but vehicles hurtle through the lane at 40 mph+ which would be a fatally. Horse riders and cyclists using this lane are in great danger. It is a national cycle path. The lane needs to be closed at the top and the bottom as it is a single track lane and no turning circles, cameras need to be fitted at top and bottom with appropriate signage so that fly tippers can be prosecuted successfully - they need to be given fair warning.
Without significant widening of the lane is not fit for purpose in this modern era. The mixed use of traffic on this lane is inappropriate at present. Large rocks at the top and bottom of the closed section would suffice, expensive bollards will be vandalised, tagged or stolen. This is a very pretty lane that should be used by cyclists, horse riders, pedestrians, not trucks, lorries and speeding car drivers. A comprehensive review of cycling and walking needs of the area. Thanks for your comments. "The speed limit on Berwick Lane is the most important factor to me - the current Thanks for your comments. speed limit of 60 mph is ridiculous and extremely unsafe - the users of Berwick Lane - riders , cyclist and pedestrians literally take their lives in their hands travelling along this lane.
To prevent constant speeding in this area is ignored by the Council and lives are at risk which seems of little concern to the Council.
When the motorway is blocked this road is used as a second motorway with excessive speeds - in many places it is only little more than a single track and the motorists have no concern for the local inhabitants-
In order to reduce the speed without policing speed reducing measures should be put in place otherwise the exercise is pointless.
My safety and that of other road uses is dependent on this being auctioned and speed measures put in place along the whole Lane I would make Ableton Lane a 20mph zone from Denny Isle Road to Station Road Thanks for your comments. See but not the whole village. How many vehicles obey the 20mph zones in the Note 6 above. various parts of the city that have introduced it? Better to put some calming measures in place in other parts of the village.
And, introduce a 30mph limit on the other side of the bridge, coming into the village, not as you're dropping down off of the bridge and coming into Beach Road. I have a great deal of experience over many years of Farm Lane. Any works to Thanks for your comments. See the junction of Farm Lane and Bow Street Lane will have to be robust enough to Note 3 above. deter HGV's using it to complete U turns.
Similarly, the bollards / structure to prevent motor access to Farm Lane will also have to be very robust as serious damage to the current structures occurs on a regular basis. Bollards will also need erecting at the MW Junction end of Farm Lane to prevent access to vehicles and in particular 'travellers’. If you close Hollywood hill it will be used by fly tippers like last time when it was Thanks for your comments. See closed because the banks collapsed. If you go ahead I would suggest closing Notes 1 and 3 above. both ends or the whole lane will be full of rubbish. I am also worried that if cyclists know they will not meet a car their downhill speeds will increase even more.
A lot of money seems to be being wasted on unnecessary things .I don't think the junctions at Hollywood hill / Berwick lane or farm lane / Berwick lane need improving. I struggle to see why you would put an urban seating area in the countryside in the middle of nowhere. It's a complete waste of money. Not enough thought has been given to horse riders in all this we weren't even included in your posters. You say the BRIDLE path is being improved tarmac is
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 16
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk not an improvement. I meet quite a few muddy mountain bikers who go down to dyers common to go off road . Play fair if half the width our bridle ways are going to be tarmacked let's have half the width of all cycleways grass. Only two percent of rights of way in this country are bridleways don't spoil them.
A thirty mile an hour limit in Berwick lane FANTASTIC best idea of the lot. The number and size of speed tables within Severn Beach village is excessive, Thanks for your comments. given the volume and speed of existing traffic there. It is an expensive sledgehammer to crack a nut.
The money saved could more usefully be spent elsewhere, in particular:
1. Improving the right turns for cyclists in Easter Compton along NCN route 410 and alternative Route 4 at the junctions of the A4955 with Bowstreet Lane and with Station Road, Pilning.
2. Harden the verges of Bowstreet Lane so that cyclists do not have to cope with a broken road surface at the edges of the road. We have concerns that the proposed barriers to prevent traffic from using Farm Thanks for your comments. See Lane past our house will not be substantial enough to prevent travellers from Note 3 above. getting through and setting up camp, as has been the case on several occasions over the past few years.
The lane widens substantially as it hits the M48 junction and area has seen travellers set up camp, and in doing so intimidate the cyclists / horse riders and walkers that try to use the cycleway. Thus defeating the object of the scheme. The lane needs to be blocked at both ends with immovable barriers, that prevent vehicles entering but allow cyclists and walkers through.
We would urge South Glos Council to consult with us on this issue as we have first hand knowledge of the problems travellers have caused in the past. I am a longstanding Gold Member of the British Horse Society and have ridden in Thanks for your comments. this area since 1985 until 2016. I live just off Berwick Lane. My concerns about the proposals are the seemingly lack of attention to horse riders. Hollywood Lane, Bow Street Lane, Farm Lane, Govier Way, right down to the Bridle Path near Severn Beach have been and are still regularly used by horse riders. Yet there is only mention of cyclists and pedestrians (except on the aforementioned Bridle Path). All of the proposed improvements must include designated provision for horses with the correct signage. Consultation should have already taken place with the British Horse Society Local Bridleways Officer. Contact information is on the BHS website. I have answered NO to questions where horses have not been included in the proposed improvements. It is an excellent proposal to have 30 mph on the whole of Berwick Lane.
Hollywood Lane closure at either top end near the activity centre or with junction to Berwick Lane and Bow Street Lane can only be decided in consultation with immediate local residents although it will affect everyone in the area. How will you improve the road between that junction and the Farm Lane turning. Not adequate in its present state.
There needs to be more Horse and Rider signs along Berwick Lane. The question of where to close Hollywood Lane does not make sense to me as Thanks for your comments. The the Wild Place is on Blackhorse Hill and at the bottom would presumable make question should have stated Activity access available to residents. If it was shut just past the activity centre this would Centre not the Wild Place. make sense as access would be easy for coaches etc from the Cribbs Causeway to drop off at the activity centre.
Hollywood Lane is currently being used as a rat run to avoid the long tale backs on Cribbs Causeway and is very often mistaken by Artic lorry's using their sat navs. It is not safe for cyclists or pedestrians plus is seriously damaging the embankment and trees alongside the lane.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 17
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk I fully support traffic calming for Beach Avenue - the speeding has become Thanks for your comments. See increasingly dangerous and more frequent. My only concern is that a “table” may Note 6 above. cause unnecessary vibration (something our bungalow - and the neighbours next to us suffer from because of the current road structure/build). Would it not be cheaper and just as successful to create traffic slowing 'pinch points' in the road by widening the pavement that would contain warning bollards together with priority traffic signs?
In summary, I'd be happy with any traffic calming measures, I'm just concerned about the vibrations from the “bump bump” of a vehicle on a traffic calming table (we have HGV's, buses and heavy vehicle recovery trucks that use this road).
Thank you for helping us with traffic calming on Beach Avenue. The roads around Easter Compton are narrow and more dangerous than ever Thanks for your comments. with more traffic using them as short cuts to avoid the congestion at Junction 17 M5. This will increase exponentially when the new developments are built on Cribbs Causeway and bus lanes are formed. Berwick Lane / Bow Street will become even busier. Then to put bicycles into the mix is a recipe for disaster. Over Lane is a case in point where bicycles travel slowly up and down the Lane meet buses and large lorries from the Brickworks and Garden Centres and cars attempt to overtake. Cyclists also seem to have a problem with not using public conveniences around the area and are climbing over gates into a field on Over Lane and using is as a public toilet - not impressed with this !!!! Also rather fed up with collecting discarded drink bottles which are thrown onto the verges along Over Lane - we have watched cyclists drop them as they cycle past. "Ref Drawing 11256ESDRSGC0101_RevC.pdf Thanks for your comments. See I do not want a BUS STOP opposite my Yard Entrance, it will cause me major Note 6 above. problems with access. It is not used as a regular Bus Stop by the Rail Replacement Buses. They can be waiting for hours, often with their engines running. I don't really want to see speed ramps on Station Road particular adjacent to my property (Crossing Cottage) as the inherent shape of the level crossing already shakes my house to bits with every bus or lorry that passes.
The bus stop on Station Road does not need to be relocated as the existing bus stop already has markings and dedicated raised kerbs for easier passenger embarkation. The location already suits the easy flow of passengers from a large waiting area directly adjacent. The new proposed location will force waiting passenger on to relatively narrow footpath further down Station Road.
Please note the current bus stop was only put in place for the railway as quick drop off and pick up only. It was never envisaged for buses stopping and waiting for prolonged periods of time on the brow of a hill.
The bus stop would be better suited in the dedicated train station stop over lay-by next to Pip-pits Reach. This could be improved to accommodate a bus.
The proposed new bus stop location will be opposite a yard that is in constant use. The drop off and go bus is not much of a problem, the congestion issues arise when the rail replacement buses arrive randomly and waits on occasions up to hour. They also wait with engines running and air conditioning in operation. This is very noisy and polluting.
Leave the bus stop as it is, or move to the railways dedicated pull in and install a smaller speed ramp or better still no speed ramp. The Public Realm improvements at the corner of Beach Road and Station Road opposite Station House will naturally slow traffic down moving onto Station Road heading towards Ableton Lane. Negating the need for a ramp. See Drawing Attached.
I am always available if you require a site visit.
I do fully endorse the 20mph zone throughout Severn Beach. Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 18
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk Please do not close Hollywood Lane. It provides a vital alternative to Black Horse Thanks for your comments. hill (B4055), especially at peak times and Christmas when the traffic queues into Easter Compton and we can't get out.
Alternatives could be a passing places system to slow traffic and allow cyclists to safely share the road. Or make the road one way, so that traffic can go up Hollywood lane to Cribbs Causeway, but not down the hill. Please, please do not close the lane, traffic control systems etc would be a good solution. Friends and family cycle through Hollywood lane and do not find it a problem. Why not include the addition of footpath from Easter Compton to M5 J17 Thanks for your comments. See roundabout, thus completing pedestrian route from Severn Beach to The Mall? Note 7 above. The 'improvements' to path crossings in Govier Way seems unnecessary and excessive taking into consideration number and type of users (competent adults) of this path?
The addition of the A403 footpath from Ableton Lane to Govier Way now seems to have been nugatory if the bridleway from Church Rd to A403 is upgraded (as I already pointed out to SGCC)
Also to note that the new footpath/cycleway from Ableton Lane, south on A403 is a) welcome, but nugatory work as a path already existed and sees limited pedestrian/cycle traffic, b) now excavated !! Causing more traffic delays. Poor foresight/planning.
The addition of cycle way along A403 from Old Passage to Aust would be welcome, although I concede that a non-direct (and little used) cycle route already exists, with many cyclists remaining on the busy A403 With the certain increase in heavy-goods traffic in and around the Western Approach Dist Park surely consideration should be given to the inclusion of a lorry park, to save HGVs using Govier Way as an impromptu campsite (and all that that entails: congestion, sanitation, traffic hazards). 1. I agree with the proposed resurfacing and drainage of farm lane however Thanks for your comments. See I object to the installation of lighting along this path. It is well known that the Notes 1 and 3 above. It is assumed presence of night lighting severely affect the bird life and their nesting habits. the cutting back of the hedgerow was With the building of the Wave Lake and the development on Severnside, the carried out by the farmer. birdlife in the area has shrunk considerably. There is no proposal for lighting along Hollywood Lane or Bow Street Lane and therefore why is it necessary down Farm Lane? It appears to be an unnecessary expense with detrimental effects on wildlife. The recent severe cutting back of the hedgerow is a terrible sight and took place during the nesting season of birds which is early this year. Photo attached.
2. I note the proposed bollards to replace the gate at the South eastern end of Farm Lane. I agree that an obstruction to vehicular traffic is necessary but the proposed design will not stop motor cycles using this track for racing as they do now. They are a dangerous menace for pedestrians particularly with dogs and especially for cyclists. They do up to 60mph along here. Is it possible to build a gate that will allow cyclists and pedestrians to pass. Horses would have access via the bridleway connecting Farm Lane with Berwick Lane. The gate would need to be diagonal to allow access to the farm.
3. There should be a sign requesting cyclist to make their presence known when approaching pedestrians from behind. I have been nearly wiped out on several occasions by cyclists travelling at speed, suddenly passing me too closely. If I just happened to change direction then it would be a disaster for me and the cyclist. Pedestrians are killed by cyclists and vice versa.
4. I object to the proposal to shut Hollywood lane. I agree there is inadequate room for two vehicles to pass. I would suggest a one way system uphill. There would be room for a cycle lane for cyclists coming down the steep hill. Those who choose to cycle up the hill could use the road way as they would be travelling slowly and hopefully, so would the vehicles. Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 19
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk
If there was not the congestion at the top of Blackhorse Hill then it may be reasonable to close Hollywood Lane to motor traffic. However with an increased use of the Junction 17, the tailback into the village will be much worse in the future. It is already extremely difficult to get out of the village at busy time. A one way system UP Hollywood Lane would provide an escape route for those wishing to access the southbound carriage of the M5. This is my preferred way at busy times, the only difficulty is meeting a vehicle coming down hill, especially HGVs. Blocking the downhill passage would not be a problem to present users as those coming along Cribs Causeway and wanting to go along Berwick lane usually have easy passage through Junction 17 and then travel along Bow Street Lane. I would not use this route downhill at any time as it is much easier to go straight through Junction 17. The Traffic lights favour traffic in this direction. Severn Beach is a quiet village with no through traffic and it is not a rat run to Thanks for your comments. See anywhere so the only traffic are the residents and a few visitors. I regularly cycle Note 6 above. around the village and have no difficulty with traffic, very often only encountering a couple of cars. So the proposals for Severn Beach speed controls are a waste of public money. I cannot see that you have done any traffic surveys in the village to warrant all the speed humps and 20mph limit. Also as a car driver because of all the parked cars in the village, one rarely reaches 25mph anyway.
Saying this, there are some improvement that could be made. The village is in desperate need of a car park especially at the train station where dropping and collecting passengers is so difficult. Those who come to walk along the estuary or catch the train into Bristol really need a place to park.
As for speeding, there are two danger areas coming into the village. One is coming from Redwick along Green Lane, the crossing with Gorse Cover and Shaft Road is potentially dangerous. Please give us a 30mph flashing sign and clear the overgrowing trees on the Shaft Road side to improve visibility. The second one is entering the village off the A403 along Ableton Lane a 30mph flashing sign is far more appropriate than all the speed bumps. The zebra crossing by the school is a good idea.
All these speed humps make us feel we are being punished as bad drivers and it makes cycling extra dangerous. Today we have just witnesses and taken to hospital, an elderly lady who tripped on a speed hump because sometimes there is no pavement or it is blocked by parking cars. Hollywood Lane provides a relief of some traffic from a heavily congested set of Thanks for your comments. roundabouts at junction 17 of M5. Whilst four wheel vehicles understand the requirement to proceed carefully down Hollywood Lane, cyclist use such a steep hill as a high speed route. Closing the lane and allowing them to proceed without due care and could mean them approaching the junction with Berwick Lane at dangerous speed.
My main objection remains that fact that Hollywood Lane offers an alternate route to Berwick Lane without the need for entering the heavily congested Junction 17 of M5. The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is the trade body that represents freight Thanks for your comments. It is not and logistics companies in the UK, is recognised in statute and receives intended to reduce the width of the notifications of traffic orders and other such consultations. carriageway or introduce cycle lanes on Bowstreet Lane. The Association was notified by one of our members, Snows Commercials, on Vimpennys Lane, of their concerns that this scheme could have serious implications for the safe operation of their vehicles as their Operating Centre's access routes are reduced and also transformed with the addition of a cycle lane. They have been operating at the site for over 50 years and employ a number of local people on it.
Hollywood Lane is a road that gives an alternate access to Junction 17 of the M5 at times of congestion on the B4055 at Blackhorse Hill. This road closure will take away one access road to the site for both staff and vehicles wishing to Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 20
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk arrive/leave from Vimpennys Lane and force all traffic at all times to use an already congested motorway junction.
The plans call for the addition of a cycle lane on Bow Street Lane, the sole remaining (should Hollywood Lane be closed to traffic) access road from Vimpennys Lane to the M5. This road is already very narrow with steep sides, so widening would be an issue as it would encroach on the land alongside the road.
Snows Commericals vehicles currently operate safely along this road and they fear that road safety could be affected by the imposition of the cycle lane, as more road space is taken out of use for vehicles. If the road were to need street lighting, this would also remove more road space, as there is currently no suitable spots for street lamps at present.
FTA's member has submitted their own consultation and supporting documentation, including an alternative route for the cycle path that would keep cyclists and vehicles separated. FTA would ask the decision-makers to look at these alternative plans and consider them in the planning process, given they come from a local resident with decades of experience of living and working on the very roads in question. We run a commercial vehicle operation in Vimpennys Lane and operate Thanks for your comments. Articulated vehicles and Heavy Recovery trucks and have for over 50 years. We Bowstreet Lane is already an existing employ around 18 people on the site. The section of road from the bottom of cycling route (Avon Cycleway, route Hollywood Lane to Farm Lane is the most narrow, dangerous section of road in 410). There are no plans to install the whole scheme, this section of road is in a cutting with high earth banks each lighting along Bowstreet Lane or to side, it is narrow, the North side hedges are neglected and regularly allowed to mark out cycle lanes. Thank you for become overgrown reducing width further and our trucks almost fill the section of the suggestion of using the existing road along this area, (and any others trucks and Farm tractors with Hay trailers bridleway between Berwick Lane and for that matter), this is our only way in / out, to suggest this as a walking and Farm Lane which has been cycling route is absolute madness and will no doubt cause danger to these considered but will not be taken persons. On top of this there is suggestion of lighting - where is that going to be further at this time. installed without narrowing the road further?
I would add our drivers are very careful particularly here as it is a known dangerous area, but the proposal will make this an even greater dangerous part, particularly if cyclists think they have extra right of way, especially if the road is marked with a cycle track, even though there is insufficient room to mark it and have a vehicle access as well.
I would suggest a better safer route shown on my sketch utilising a bridal path from Berwick Lane to Farm Lane that is already in use, entering Farm lane by the existing road narrowing restriction North of the Church.
Hollywood lane closure will cause some staff problems attending and returning from work due to the severe traffic at peak time on Blackhorse Hill B4055.It can take half an hour to travel from the Over Lane Junction to the Junction 17 M5 Roundabout on this road.
For your information Vimpennys Lane to Junction 17 M5 is 1 mile. The only other way is via Hallen, Severn Road, Station Road, Cribbs Causeway and that is then 4.5 Miles! I live in North Bristol and cycle through this area either for access to the Thanks for your comments. countryside, it has long been marked as an access route for the Avon Cycleway, or to reach the Cribbs Causeway shopping centre, via Hollywood Lane.
1. Form of consultation
The rigid adherence to the questionnaire form with restricted options is inappropriate, and risks channelling responses into topics set by the Council, to the exclusion of issues that might appear to the public or more general assessments. Users and taxpayers should always be able to submit free form comments on the more important issues or on their assessment of the schemes Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 21
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk as a whole. The statement that respondents must answer all questions potentially wastes taxpayers time commenting on matters that they may not consider important or outside their knowledge. Respondents should be free to ignore questions of no interest to them, and there should be provision to submit a free form comment against each item.
2. Document Quality
The references in drawings do not correspond to the document numbering on the consultation website. Highways England, the council or the consultant should have taken the trouble of checking and reorganising references rather than putting the ratepayers to the trouble of searching through them.
The general scheme drawing includes projects that are not included in this consultation, without references to the relevant consultation.
3. General Basis for Scheme
There is no statement of the traffic flows expected in the future or now, leaving respondents unclear whether they are supposed to comment on the basis of what now appears to be the case or some future development. The SOR stating cycle and walking upgrades around the new M49 junction is not adequate explanation.
There are no descriptions of the purpose of individual features.
There appear to be many items that are decorative rather than necessary. The council should go carefully through the proposals to remove items not of local or cycling utility. At this time surplus proposals inevitable lead to the thought that austerity is not tight enough, or that as a first economy the council could cease awarding contracts to Sustrans, so saving the ratepayers the need to spend time sorting through expensive fripperies. The essential items, 30 mph limits, speed calming and a four metre wide smooth tarmac strip from the end of Farm Lane are well within the competence of council staff, probably about a week's work in the drawing office.
EASTER COMPTON AREA
4. Hollywood Lane
Hollywood Lane is a useful link up to Cribbs Causeway, which would be improved for cyclists by closure as a through route to vehicles, especially if an increase in traffic would be expected from developments on Severnside.
The proposed cycle lanes in Hollywood Lane are admitted to be substandard. This is unnecessary and dangerous because they will encourage the idea that vehicles can pass cyclists close at speed. Most drivers understand that care is needed to pass cyclists in a narrow road and traffic is fairly low so suggesting close passing is wrong. The lanes are so narrow that riding at the distance from the kerb suggested by the Highway Code will place a cyclist on the lines so the only cycle related markings needed might be large cycle signs painted in the carriageway.
The reason for the note 'Cycle Lane to maintain visibility for right turning cyclists' is not clear. A cyclist on the left has presumably descended Hollywood Lane and would turn right from the ordinary give way lane to the right of the island. Is it intended that cyclists should not use the ordinary exit? This and the similar arrangement at Farm Lane are puzzling, any cyclist who has succeeded in reaching these junctions along Bowstreet Lane will be fully capable of executing a turn into or out of a conventional rural junction.
Is the council expecting an increase in traffic in Hollywood Lane, or on the Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 22
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk section below the closure even if the closure is implemented?
It is not clear why reworking the junction at the bottom of Hollywood Lane with urban style kerbs is useful, this seems to be an unnecessary expense for a fairly typical rural junction, located in a rural area.
5. Farm Lane
It is not clear why reworking the junction at the end of Farm Lane with urban style kerbs is useful, this seems to be an unnecessary expense it being a fairly typical, if somewhat scruffy rural junction, located in a rural area, that will remain in a rural area. It is conceivable that the seat could be useful to both cyclists passing through and local walkers.
The need for a separate cycle lane access from Bowstreet Lane is entirely unclear whether or not an increase in traffic is expected. Currently traffic here is very low.
The need for a gateway feature of unspecified design is not obvious, the route will probably by mainly for local commuters to the industrial estate, who would probably prefer reduced taxes to paying for this king of decoration. Recreational visitors might prefer to retain the feeling of unadorned countryside for as long as possible.
The drawing referred to on the drawing as Plan 005 is not identified under the number 5 on the website, it appears to be 22. Taxpayers should not be put to the trouble of searching through references because Sustrans, the consultant employed, cannot organise them.
6. 30 mph speed limits
The proposed 30 mph limits appear appropriate. Although I am sceptical about observance in rural areas, where enforcement is unlikely, experience with the steady extension over the last few years of 30 mph limits on the road to Almondsbury does suggest that they have contributed to reducing speeds and making the road safer. The long straight stretch west of Easter Compton will need particular attention.
7. Easter Compton Speed Tables.
The roads approaching and through Easter Compton somewhat hazardous, due to vehicle speeds, impatience and a nonchalant approach to speed, so the need for speed reduction and a 20 mph limit is understood and welcomed.
The drawing for this consultation appears to show no detail for these, nor references to more detailed drawings. The detailed design of traffic calming features is particularly important for their effectiveness, and their safety for cyclists, who are more affected by bumps in the road than motor vehicles, particularly if the feature requires a course deviation. It appears that the speed cushions are the subject of a separate consultation (https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti/Easter_Compton_Propose d_TC2/consultationHome) for which references are not provided in this consultation, despite them being shown on the scheme drawing for this consultation.
REST OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE SEVERN VALE
I am unable to comment on the details. The council should sift carefully to retain only those features that have genuine local amenity or recreational value. Closure of Hollywood Lane is not acceptable. It is not possible for Thanks for your comments. See deliveries/refuse collections/postal deliveries to be made if the lane is closed as it Note 1 above. is almost impossible to turn round until you reach the top. People live on the lane Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 23
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk and need access to their homes, they cannot be expected to park at the bottom and walk - nowhere to park. Its use by traffic avoiding Blackhorse Hill means Junction 17 is not so badly affected as traffic going south on the M5 does not have to go round the roundabout.. Very few cyclists use Hollywood Lane as it is very steep 1 in 8 and most recreational cyclists use Berwick Lane and Bowstreet Lane. It is also the route for emergency vehicles if other roads are blocked. It is the only route when Bowstreet Lane is closed for cleaning and road repairs or when there is an accident. Closure of this half mile road means an additional 3 miles to get to the top of the hill. There has to be access for tractors to cut hedges etc and workmen to clear rubbish and maintain drainage.
Bowstreet Lane and Berwick Lane are too narrow to have dedicated cycle paths. Due to weight restrictions in Hallen this is the only route for many heavy vehicles that come from businesses based along the lane. One of the few passing points is the Farm Lane access where vehicles can pull over to pass safely this should not be restricted in any way. I was very surprised and disappointed that horse riders were not included in the Thanks for your comments. scheme, particularly as some of the cycling and walking routes are on bridlepaths. Horse riders are the most vulnerable group of road users, being on an animal with an independent brain and an inherent nervous disposition. I am worried that the proposed upgrades to the bridlepaths at Farm Lane and Severn Beach will be to the detriment of horse riders. We have so very little safe off road riding so the few bridlepaths we do have are very important. Being forced to share these with cyclists is certainly not in our best interests, especially if the bridlepath is quite narrow. I am very pleased that the speed limits are to be lowered in Severn Beach and on Berwick Lane. Thank you for considering my views. We are very much in favour of improvements to cycling and walking access onto Thanks for your comments. Hollywood Lane and hope to see pedestrian footway (or shared foot/cycle way) at the top of Hollywood Lane not just cycle road markings. This would support access on foot/cycle from the new Filton Airfield residential area via a cycle/pedestrian entrance to our site at Hollywood Lane which is currently not possible due to lack of safe route. It would also allow bus passengers to access our site via the same route from stops at Catbrain Lane where they currently have a long walk crossing both the motorway slip roads.
- walking infrastructure improvements at the top of Hollywood Lane should also consider improved access to the City-bound bus stop on A4018 which currently has limited pedestrian crossing access
- insufficient information is currently available on the integration of Farm Lane with M49 junction so the traffic impact adjacent to our site and potentially serving our site from M49 via Blackhorse Hill cannot be considered adequately
- Any closure to Hollywood Lane needs to retain access for our site vehicles along the full length of Hollywood Lane and along Bow Street Lane. We have two site access locations at the top of Hollywood Lane (to the Hollywood Tower Estate and to our horticulture/animal feed planting opposite), another slightly further down part of our managed Great Crest Newts ponds, and various access to our lower fields which will be further developed in coming years. A closure with gates would be acceptable, however road closure with planters would not be. For land management, use of this road could include vehicles up to tractor & trailer size. I very much support the 20 m p h speed restriction in Severn Beach, but please, Thanks for your comments. See no speed bumps. Note 6 above. I think this scheme is a waste of money and is not required. There is not Thanks for your comments. sufficient traffic to require such extremities. In terms of the wider aspect, e .g. Hollywood lane, closing this road is again totally unnecessary - my don't know for question 10 should actually state it is not needed! The biggest issue in Severn Beach is parents dropping their children off at school; this is not solved by a new zebra crossing or speed limit. Also, the litter produced by parents and children; I'd rather that was addressed. Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 24
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk Closing Hollywood Lane removes a route available when junction 17 roundabout Thanks for your comments. See is grid locked or when traffic from Easter Compton is tailed back down Note 1 above. Blackhorse Hill due to not being able to enter the roundabout due to the volume of traffic exiting the M5 in a northerly direction, a common occurrence in the peak morning rush hour. Our house is positioned close to the bend to Berwick Lane / Hollywood Lane Thanks for your comments. junction. Traffic is increasing and the road is very much a rat run; particularly during the rush hour(s). Note there are two morning ‘rush hours’; One starts from 5.15am-6.30am approx - this is the Avonmouth traffic, probably due to a 6am shift change, & wakes me every morning. Next is the normal commuter rush hour traffic from 07.15-08.30am approx. People use this rat-run to avoid queues at the junction 17 M5 roundabout, on the M5 (particularly when there are accidents or traffic congestion) and on the A4018 (for example at the Crow Tree roundabout or when the proposed bus lane is implemented on the Falcondale Road, so cut around over the hill of Henbury Road and join the Falcondale Road there instead). Also we have increased traffic because of the new developments at Avonmouth; Amazon, the UPS depot, etc. My points are:
I strongly object to Hollywood Lane being closed as I would then have to deal with a lengthy tail-back on the B4055 and, more relevantly, my safety would be put at risk trying to cross the roundabout at Junction 17 M5 from the B4055 onto the A4018 - this junction is dangerous in the rush hour. Unlike other roads joining the roundabout, the B4055 does not have traffic lights. This is part of the reason why traffic coming along Berwick Lane has increased. (Traffic also tries to avoid queues at the Crow Tree roundabout and will try to avoid the jams that will be created by the proposed bus lane being implemented on the Falcondale Road). The continuous stream of traffic coming out of Bristol and off the motorway prevents drivers getting onto the roundabout so traffic backs-up down the hill. Also the lane management on the roundabout is poor - turning right onto the A4018 is difficult as there is no longer a dedicated lane. I drive up Hollywood Lane to reach the Junction 17 of the M5, go around the roundabout and head back into Bristol on the A4018 - it is safer.
Note that the section of road between Bow Street Lane and Farm Lane isn’t wide enough to easily allow two vehicles to pass and is winding continuously - this regulates the speed of traffic to about 30mph already. The issue is that 30mph is too fast for the current volume of traffic, particularly in the rush hour. As the traffic volume increases this will issue will become more pressing.
The section of Bow Street Lane from Farm Lane to at least Manor Farm should be a 20mph limit. This would be a benefit to residents coping with speeding traffic and to the safety of cyclists, horse-riders and pedestrians.
The section of road from Bow Street Lane from Farm Lane to the bottom of Hollywood Lane has one narrow chicane on it that slows traffic, then opens into a wider straight section as it approaches the bottom of Hollywood Lane. Consequently traffic accelerates on this straight stretch, breaks on the bend, then speeds away on the next straight section of Berwick Lane which goes right past our front door. Sometimes the traffic doesn't actually break - we've had vehicles end up in the ditch on the bend. Also it is a dangerous blind bend.
From a residents perspective the noise pollution of the traffic accelerating past our front door is distressing.
Note that the road narrows on Berwick Lane as it goes past our house - two vehicles cannot easily pass each other. Consequently, the traffic speeding away off the bend at the foot of Hollywood Lane often has to break hard to avoid a head on crash with on-coming traffic. This is particularly relevant in the rush hour. A reduced speed limit and traffic calming measures to make this pinch point safer is essential.
Any traffic calming measures need to take into consideration that we are on a Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 25
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk floodplain and drainage will need to be improved - increased ground vibration would be greatly to the detriment of old houses.
Reducing the width of existing pavements would not be acceptable for traffic calming measures as it would increase the risk to pedestrians.
Any reduced speed limits and traffic calming measures also need to consider air pollution. If the traffic calming brings vehicles to a complete halt we’ll have even poorer air quality.
We need even more prominent signage to prevent inappropriate vehicles trying to use this country lane as a short cut, including foreign HGV drivers who can't read English.
The exit from Hollywood Lane by residents on proposed plans is lethal - its a blind bend.
Suggested boulders on Farm Lane junction will prevent lorries passing - this is the only available passing place for them.
The art structures on Farm Lane will be vandalised
We want a vehicle ‘access only’ sign where Bow Street Lane joins the B4055, where Berwick Lane joins the Hallen Road and at the top of Hollywood Lane - then for all other commuter traffic to be re-routed via more appropriate A or B roads than this;’D’ country lane. That would make Bow Street Lane / Berwick Lane safer for all users. North Bristol SusCom supports investments that lead to an increase in cycling Thanks for your comments. and walking for everyday journeys. The Avonmouth/Severnside area currently lacks good walking and cycling facilities for people living and working in the area. We are pleased to see that Sustrans is involved in the design and will address the needs of both walkers and cyclists into the proposals.
We are also pleased to hear that this project will be supported with a resource to work with employers and employees to encourage behaviour change and an increase in commuting to work by walking and cycling.
We believe this project will help unlock the economic potential in the Avonmouth/Severnside area as well as contribute to wider goals of reduced congestion, improved air quality and health and wellbeing. I do think the speed needs to be reduced on Bowstreet Lane to 30 is fine. Once Thanks for your comments. See you're out of all the bends leading to Berwick Lane, I then think it could be 40. It Note 1 above. is currently a rat run, and anything to reduce this is appreciated. It can be a very dangerous road.
Re Hollywood Lane, I do not think a full closure is necessary. Maybe the road could be changed to a one way street? Downhill probably. Maybe allowing cyclists to still cycle both ways? I do avoid Hollywood Lane at the moment as I think it is dangerous. Therefore I suppose a total closure to vehicles is preferable to remaining as it is. Thank you. Closure of Hollywood Lane - This would introduce unnecessary restrictions on Thanks for your comments. See traffic wishing to access villages on the south west and commercial units to the Notes 1 and 6 above. north west. The lane is not so narrow that vehicles cannot pass or overtake cycles safely and there are already passing places to aid all users.
Proposed works in Severn Beach - The proposed zebra crossing would be better sited on the northern side of the school between the mini roundabout and the school entrance because the majority of users are from the village and it would also serve the village hall and the play area.
The contraflow cycle lane proposal on Station Road is too short and spans Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 26
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk existing parking and only seems to allow cyclists to avoid following the one way route which exists for all vehicles. It is only on the western side of the entrance to the railway station where there is secured cycle parking for train users. The proposed changes to the parking at the northern end of the Beach Road one way system does not increase the parking it merely replaces it and in doing so reduces visibility on exiting the junction which will be potential more dangerous for all vehicles but especially buses and larger vehicles turning south following the one way system. An alternative island or planter site would serve the purpose of reducing the width of the carriageway whilst maintaining the width of the exit for traffic turning right.
20mph zone in Severn Beach - the village is already served by a 30mph limit and in the newer residential cul-de-sac areas, in Gorse Cover Road and where existing traffic calming is in place the speeds are generally acceptably low. Most traffic through the village is local residential users aware of the problem and vulnerable areas. Alternative suggestions might be a 20mph limit on the approach to the village from the A403 to the mini roundabout at the north end of Ableton Road and then alternative traffic calming measures within the village; such as alternate side parking to create chicanes or periodic planters in built out pavements to reduce the width of the road e.g. Hillsdon Road, Westbury on Trym. This would reduce the traffic noise and speeding between raised tables/ramps and an uncomfortable ride for users of the bus on this route. It would also be more aesthetically pleasing and enable the village community involvement, including the school, preschool and other groups. 20mph limit not necessary. It causes more pollution, not less. One can't drive at Thanks for your comments. See 20mph in top gear, a lower gear is required. Hence more engine R.P.M. per mile, Note 6 above. more fuel used, more pollution, more CO2 etc.
From my house to A403 via Ableton Lane (or vice versa) there are TEN, yes TEN raised tables, speed bumps etc. This is grossly excessive and totally unnecessary.
Ban all roadside parking within half a mile of schools encouraging parents and children to walk to school as I used to do - less pollution, more exercise, less obesity. The B4055 out of Vicarage Road, Pilning, already parked cars - speed humps, Thanks for your comments. 20mph not necessary approaching A403 traffic lights will create traffic tailback. Unfortunately Pilning is not included The elevated section of A403 coming from Aust to traffic lights still very dark in this scheme. See Note 7 overhead lighting - a hedge of laurel along this stretch would help with lorry regarding potential facilities linking pollution - as you can see lorry wheels splashing in wet weather and idling traffic with Pilning. ticking over near Chessell Avenue area which is elevated.
No footpath along A403 Whitehouse Farm entrance or opposite to Western Approaches.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 27
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk Appendix B
Comments received at Consultation via other methods Officer’s response First of all do you actually look to see if anybody uses these cycle routes or Thanks for your comments. paths? I live in Severn Beach and probably only ever seen maybe 3 cyclists in a year from Severn Beach to Avonmouth there in better condition than the roads and wide enough to land a plane on its a total waste of money also 20 mph speed limits another waste of money and time just another way of ruining someone’s licence even though they are good drivers it's a disgrace all of it how about putting better lighting up or at least leaving it on at night then burgulars won't break into my house!!!! Thank you for the email and invitation to respond to the above proposed scheme, Thank you for your comments. We as shown on the attached scheme overview drawing. will respond to the queries raised once we have completed detailed I understand from the Statement of Reasons that: design.
“Highways England is currently developing a new junction on the M49, constructed to accommodate employment and commercial development in the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA). In support of the junction, designs are being tabled to upgrade cycling and walking infrastructure around the ASEA. This includes improvements to National Cycleway Network (NCN) Route 4 between Cribbs Causeway and Severn Beach which is funded through Highway England’s Designated Fund for Cycling, Safety and Integration. Sustrans, with Mott MacDonald Sweco Joint Venture, completed a feasibility study and outline design for the scheme on behalf of Highways England which South Gloucestershire Council is taking forward to construction.
South Gloucestershire Council using funding from Highways England will be progressing the scheme through public consultation, detailed design and construction.
Purpose of Scheme The purpose of this scheme is to make improvements to the NCN Route 4 between Cribbs Causeway and Severn Beach, upgrading the cycling and walking infrastructure around the ASEA.
Proposed Scheme The proposed scheme comprises the following: The closure of Hollywood Lane 30mph speed limit on Berwick Lane / Bow Street Lane Junction modifications at: Hollywood Lane, Berwick Lane/Bow Street Lane junction Bow Street Lane and Farm Lane junction Improvements to Farm Lane Provision of parallel crossings at side roads along Govier Way Bridleway improvements 20mph zone including traffic calming measures in Severn Beach Zebra crossing on Ableton Lane near Severn Beach primary school.”
With regard to the following –
The closure of Hollywood Lane as shown on drawing 11256ESDRSGC0125_RevB (attached) I understand that this is proposed as a physical closure and will be enforced by the placement of planters. Please could you provide detail of the planters being proposed in terms of size, reflectivity, content etc. and placement at the location. Will the road beyond the planters be retained as tarmac? From the drawing it is apparent that the road is proposed to be open for recreational use or as a route for cycles. I note that there is a cycle lane “bypass” for the planters. This has the potential for misuse by motorised two wheel vehicles.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 28
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk I am aware of colleagues experiencing enforcement issues on the Bristol / Bath Railway path, which has linear park designation rather than highway. Will the “closed” part of Hollywood Lane be designated as a Linear Park?
30mph speed limit on Berwick Lane / Bow Street Lane and 20mph zone including traffic calming measures in Severn Beach as shown on drawings 11256ESDRSGC0151_RevA and 11256ESDRSGC0152_RevA (attached)
As previously discussed, we have a Force stance regarding the introduction of speed restrictions, which has been written to reflect the current speed environment. I copy this below for your information.
“Speed limits are only one element of speed management and local speed limits should not be set in isolation. They should be part of a package with other measures to manage speeds, which include engineering, visible interventions and landscaping standards that respect the needs of all road users and raise the driver’s awareness of their environment, together with education, driver information, training and publicity.
The police service has to ensure all resources are used effectively in responding to community priorities. Avon and Somerset Constabulary will support all appropriate speed limits, including 20mph roads, where;
The limit looks and feels like the limit, giving visiting motorists who wish to conform that chance; the desired outcome has to be speeds at the limit chosen so as to achieve safe roads for other and vulnerable users, not high speeds and high enforcement; the limit is self-enforcing ( with reducing features) not requiring large scale enforcement; the limit is only introduced where mean speeds are already close to the limit to be imposed, (24mph in a 20mph limit) or with interventions that make the limit clear to visiting motorists;
Speeding problems identified in an area must have the engineering, site clarity and need re-assessed, not simply a call for more enforcement.
Enforcement will be considered in all clearly posted limits, given other priorities, and this will be by:
Targeted enforcement where there is deliberate offending and the limits are clear;
Where limits are not clear ( that is they don’t feel like or look like the limit or are on inappropriate roads), they will not be routinely enforced, only targeted where there is intelligence of obvious deliberate disregard which may result in increased threat, harm or risk to other road users.
Deliberate high harm offenders will always be targeted and prosecuted whereas enforcement against drivers who simply misread the road may not be appropriate.
None of the above should in anyway leave the impression that we will not enforce the law, As with all speed limits, and other enforcement work, we will use evidence to ensure that our resources are allocated in the most appropriate way using appropriate tactics. Enforcement of limits that do not comply with the above representations could lead to mistaken offending and could risk the loss of public support.
Enforcement cannot and must not take the place of proper engineering and or clear signing.” Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 29
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk We do not, as part of this consultation, check the accuracy or validity of what is being proposed but we do consider implications for road safety and enforcement. We always expect that: a) the powers being exercised are available to you as traffic authority, are valid and are appropriate for the proposals; b) the descriptions of the lengths of road, the road names, the road numbers and any directional descriptions are correct and accurate; c) where any proposals replace existing restrictions or prohibitions, that the previous orders are adequately revoked or varied; d) the mandatory traffic signs giving legal effect to the order will be fully TSRGD compliant, will give drivers adequate guidance and will placed to accord to the descriptions in the order.
We have worked on the assumption that, by submitting this TRO for consultation, you are also confirming the above points and that the order will be made. Any enforcement action taken by the Police will be based on this and, should this transpire not to be the case, Avon & Somerset Constabulary will not accept any liability – financial or otherwise – arising as a result.
Junction modifications at: Hollywood Lane, Berwick Lane/Bow Street Lane junction Bow Street Lane and Farm Lane junction
I understand that these are as shown on the drawings attached (11256ESDRSGC0120_RevB, 11256ESDRSGC0122_RevB, 11256ESDRSGC0125_RevB)
Drawing 11256ESDRSGC0122_RevB shows the junction of Bow Street Lane with Farm Lane, and the island feature that is being created is annotated with the comment “resting place features eg boulders /urban design intervention”. Please can you advise what these features will be, in terms of visual appearance, reflectivity, how they are fixed and height? From their location, there appears to be the potential that placement will obscure visibility of and from vehicles in that area.
Improvements to Farm Lane as shown on drawing 11256ESDRSGC0120_RevB (attached), this shows an annotation stating “consider gateway feature/urban design intervention to create resting place/shelter”. Please could you provide more detail of this element? I understand that the proposal includes widening Farm Lane as shown.
Provision of parallel crossings at side roads along Govier Way / Bridleway improvements I understand that provision of parallel crossings at side roads along Govier Way as shown on drawings 11256ESDRSGC0107_RevB, 11256ESDRSGC0108_RevB, 11256ESDRSGC01010_RevB, and 11256ESDRSGC01013_RevB (not attached) and Bridleway improvements, as shown on drawings 11256ESDRSGC0105_RevB and 11256ESDRSGC0106_RevB (not attached) are to enhance existing facilities and create crossing places.
With regard to the Zebra crossing on Ableton Lane near Severn Beach primary school as shown on drawing 11256ESDRSGC0128_RevB (attached). I understand this to be in a location which will facilitate movement to and from the nearby school.
The proposals should meet the aspirations shown on the Statement of Reasons, and we have addressed individual locations/proposals separately above. Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 30
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk I was sorry that Little Green Lane in Severn Beach was not looked at in your Thanks for your comments. plans.
This needs to be inaccessible to traffic using it as a rat run. Perhaps Bollards half way along the lane so it cannot be used as thoroughfare for vehicles and keep walkers and cyclists safe. Good morning. I cycle every day from Severn Beach to Avonmouth to go to work. Thanks for your comments. I think that cycle lanes are a fantastic idea. The only problem is that they have more glass and other sharp objects on them you can’t cycle on them all week as you will get a puncture. If you went over them say once a month people would probably use them rather than the road. Maybe you could send someone to look at the pathway you already have. Thank you for your time last week to explain the proposed improvements for Thanks for your comments. See walking and cycling in Severnside and I am following up with some of the Notes 1, 6, 7 and 8 above. comments I made to your representatives. I am a motorist, leisure and working cyclist, as well as a pedestrian and user of public transport (Severn Beach Station and 625 Bus).
I do not support "speed bumps" as they are aggressive and damaging to classic car brakes, steering and suspension. Also low cars have to traverse very slowly to avoid underside damage leading to tailgating. This exasperates the acceleration and braking leading to more pollution. Smooth driving should be encouraged and speed over distance is regulated very effectively through motorway roadworks. I believe this technology could be used to reduce speeds in areas like Pilning and Easter Compton where there is a long stretch of ribbon development. If such technology could be enforced then 25mph would be a sensible level rather than a 20mph level, that is unenforceable apart from the odd mobile visit. 20mph cannot be enforced at all times and particularly at night motorists that do comply will be overtaken which is more dangerous that the current 30mph
I am convinced that shared spaces work and following the B4055 to its end (it becomes the B4064 and splits to Severn Beach and New Passage) The New Passage end has not been considered in you proposals but cries out to be a shared space from about the entrance to the sewage treatment plant to the river. This is a leisure route for many different users and should have no signs other than no one specific user has priority. i.e. it is not a road with motorist domination. I live at 1886 within this zone and see issues where even 10mph is too fast
I think it is a waste of money to change the B4055 speed limit between Pilning and Easter Compton from 50mph to 40 mph it has only relatively recently changed from de-restricted. In reality the density of traffic is such that it regulates itself to not much more than 40mph. Again at night when the accidents happen (often vehicles in the ditch) the limit will make no difference
I do not support the closure of Hollywood lane. However traffic use has increased significantly since the lane changes at the top of Blackhorse Hill. There used to be two lanes to turn right onto the M5 and Bristol but since the change the traffic backs up encouraging rat running up Hollywood lane. I suggest reinstate the previous layout.
Could we have real time bus information for all the stops on the route of the 625
Finally where the sea wall gets close to the Chittening Estate there used to be no clear link pedestrian to the A403 I appreciate this is on the boundary with BCC and things may have changed since the works to the railway line for the incinerator. Today I noted signs indicating that improvements are proposed to make life Thanks for your comments. better for cyclists and pedestrians using Berwick Lane which runs between Easter Compton and Hallen. If this means creating an entirely separate lane for them without stealing existing road space.....fine. If that is not the case then the Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 31
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk best answer is to ban them from using the lane altogether and only allow motorised traffic to use it. That lane, for locals and others who know of it is a vital means of getting around the area when the motorway and other roads in the area become blocked due to accidents or by summer holiday traffic congestion for instance. As it is now sometimes groups of cyclists riding two or three abreast create havoc by failing to get out of the way of faster traffic, and in fact I have seen accidents happen due to drivers taking chances to try to get past such holdups. I have even seen a horse hit by someone trying to get past cyclists a while ago.
No doubt some do-gooding moron will suggest that it is the motor vehicles which should be banned...... but then there are idiots everywhere. Resident at the bottom of Hollywood Lane, concerned that her neighbours had Thanks for your comments not heard about proposals, she has advised them of the proposals. She was concerned that others were not aware.
Commented that fire engines use the route and farmer will have a 3.5mile detour to get to cattle half way up the hill.
Vehicles will not be able to turn right out of the bottom of Hollywood Lane with the proposed layout as it will be too tight. Pilning & Severn Beach Parish Council have the following comments to make Thanks for your comments. regarding the Severnside Walking and Cycling consultation.
1) The Parish Council supports the suggestion of using a tarmac surface on the path known as ‘Gypsy’s Platt’
2) The Parish Council supports the use of speed tables but requests that the overall number are reduced.
3) The Parish Council supports the reductions of the speed limit to 20mph but suggests that a staged reduction from the A403 onto Ableton Lane before reducing again to 20mph before the school. Similarly, a staged approach should be introduced out of Severn Beach by Gorse Cover Road to increase before resuming the current limit the other side of the motorway bridge.
4) The Parish Council supports and welcomes the insertion of a pedestrian crossing near the school.
Nigel Riglar, Director for Environment and Community Services Streetcare, Transport and Waste, Design & Operations Team, P O Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD 32
Tel: 01454 868004 E-mail: [email protected] www.southglos.gov.uk