Purpose

To seek Executive's decision following public consultation on the proposal to improve bus and walking/cycling provision on Stainton Way.  

Decision

ORDERED that Executive approve the Stainton Way Highway improvements scheme, considering the issues raised and proposed mitigations.

Reasons for the decision

REASONS

The proposals improved sustainable transport choices and improved road safety. This assisted the Council's green strategy. It further supported social mobility, which was a key component for increasing economic activity.

The proposals improved accessibility to key retail, employment and education opportunities (circa 1300 students).

The proposals improved bus punctuality by creating infrastructure that allowed vehicles to bypass queuing traffic and provided priority at traffic signals.

The proposals supported road safety for all by physically segregating cycles from vehicles, signalising a key junction and creating additional crossing points.  

Alternative options considered

OPTIONS

Do nothing. This was not recommended as it would not have allowed for the delivery of infrastructure improvements and risked the loss of funding, if not able to be reallocated.

Implement an alternate project. This was not recommended as the proposals had been designed following traffic modelling assessments, and engagement with highway users/statistics at the disposal of the Authority. No other proposal was achievable at the location.

Traffic signals provided a safe junction as drivers and pedestrians were afforded dedicated time to manoeuvre. This was not possible with a roundabout, and non-signalisation of a T junction on the network in this location was not safe. The safety and consistency of movement associated with traffic signals outweighed the cost of increased congestion/journey time.