Issue - meetings

The purpose of the report by the Director of Regeneration is to consider responses to the public consultation on the proposal to implement a segregated cycle lane along with crossing point improvements, where feasible, along an approximate 900m stretch of the highway.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approves the implementation of the following:

(1)  A segregated cycle lane, where feasible (subject to available carriageway widths), between the junction with Haslemere Road/ Goldsmith Avenue and the eastern approach to Fratton Roundabout (Victoria Rd/ Fawcett Rd/ A2047/ Goldsmith Rd junction) to improve east to west connectivity for cyclist and pedestrians, across the city;

(2)  Redesign of the Goldsmith/ Francis Avenue junction to a single access "T" junction, with associated pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure improvements (such as a shared space) to improve safety at this junction;

(3)  Junction improvements at Haslemere Road, Francis Avenue, Talbot Road and Fernhurst Road;

(4)  A new crossing point for pedestrians by Lidl.

The Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approved the implementation of the following:

(1)       A segregated cycle lane, where feasible (subject to available carriageway widths), between the junction with Haslemere Road/ Goldsmith Avenue and the eastern approach to Fratton Roundabout (Victoria Rd/ Fawcett Rd/ A2047/ Goldsmith Rd junction) to improve east to west connectivity for cyclist and pedestrians, across the city;

(2)       Redesign of the Goldsmith/ Francis Avenue junction to a single access "T" junction, with associated pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure improvements (such as a shared space) to improve safety at this junction;

(3)       Junction improvements at Haslemere Road, Francis Avenue, Talbot Road and Fernhurst Road;

(4)       A new crossing point for pedestrians by Lidl.

Michelle Love, Safer Travel Manager, presented the report which outlined the first part of the "East-West Corridor" works to encourage active travel.  This included a segregated cycle lane at Haslemere Road to improve connectivity as well as redesigning the junction at Goldsmith Avenue with Francis Avenue.  The measures were designed to improve safety where there had been high collision rates and improve air quality.  She reported on the consultation exercise with 82 consultees, mainly businesses and key stakeholders, with a 10% response rate, which had included queries regarding access to some properties.  There would not be physical barriers but the scheme aimed to improve land discipline.

Councillor Bosher was aware of the problems at Goldsmith Avenue and felt these safety works were overdue, therefore supported the report.

Councillor Heaney questioned the segregation being "where feasible" as he was aware of Portsmouth Cycle Forum favouring physical separation; Michelle Love responded that the wording "where feasible" related to road widths, and Goldsmith Avenue is an A class road and key route.  She undertook to forward copies of the design to the Traffic & Transportation members and confirmed that Portsmouth Cycle Forum had been consulted and would be kept informed.

Councillor Stagg acknowledged that these plans had taken time to be brought forward and was pleased that this would now happen. She would like to see greenery included in the design if cost allowed. Michelle Love reported that this is an ongoing scheme and there would be bids for further funding to enable the corridor to be extended.

DECISIONS

The Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approved the implementation of the following:

(1)       A segregated cycle lane, where feasible (subject to available carriageway widths), between the junction with Haslemere Road/ Goldsmith Avenue and the eastern approach to Fratton Roundabout (Victoria Rd/ Fawcett Rd/ A2047/ Goldsmith Rd junction) to improve east to west connectivity for cyclist and pedestrians, across the city;

(2)       Redesign of the Goldsmith/ Francis Avenue junction to a single access "T" junction, with associated pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure improvements (such as a shared space) to improve safety at this junction;

(3)       Junction improvements at Haslemere Road, Francis Avenue, Talbot Road and Fernhurst Road;

(4)       A new crossing point for pedestrians by Lidl.