Agenda item - Major Transport Projects - Update

21.1 Principal Transport Planning Officer Robin Reed gave a presentation and showed a video on the busy roundabout at Seven Dials that had several routes in and out including buses. There were around 26,000 vehicle movements per day. In three years there had been 20 accidents involving 23 casualties with slight or serous injuries.

21.2 The environment was ‘very poor’, with narrow pedestrian areas and clutter, and long indirect pedestrian crossing routes. The area was also difficult for cyclists due to perceived and actual danger.

21.3 Some pedestrians jumped over the road barriers causing additional dangers. The area was generally ‘infuriating for all,’ he said, but changes were controversial. He set out the disadvantages of guard rails, and reasons why rails could increase accident rates; and the measures taken to retain a 130 year old tree.

21.4 UK roundabouts tended to have high accident rates so transport planners investigated different, overseas, design standards. A bigger roundabout with all traffic in a single lane was hard to miss so that traffic had to reduce speed. A raised curb allowed large vehicles to turn. Improved paving and street surfacing and less clutter were all beneficial.

21.5 RR detailed the consultation that had taken place. Some of the proposals that had not been supported by residents were not taken forward, he confirmed.

21.6 The scheme was approved at February 2013 Transport Committee and was expected to be completed in December.

21.7 RR described the Lewes Road traffic scheme, which was just finishing, between the gyratory and University of Brighton buildings. The route carried around 35,000 bus passengers and 1,500 cyclists each way per day. Uniquely, modelling showed that more people are already choosing  sustainable transport than car. Modelling of current and future trip attractors took into account the Amex stadium, the Keep, Universities, the Level, Preston Barracks. The bendy buses required special infrastructure.

21.8 Traffic counters indicated that people have not generally changed their route during the road works. The changes were working well and would be put to the test at the start of the new University term. From the consultation 63% of respondents were in favour.

21.9 The new scheme that avoids conflict between buses and cyclists is the first use in the UK.  All the funding was external and formal opening is due on 5 October. It includes a wider cycle lane, dedicated bus lane, single lane traffic, new bus stops, shelters and seating. Road crossings for pedestrians to Wild Park and Moulsecoomb station are being improved.

21.10 Monitoring the impact of the new scheme including road safety, bus journey times and improved air quality, will continue into 2014/2015.

21.11RR answered questions on public seating, monitoring traffic movements, and results of consultations, all openly available on the website.

21.12 Replying to other questions he said bus lanes would be enforceable from 30 September; the council worked with both universities who have dedicated transport contacts.

21.13 Emma Friedlander, Public Realm Officer, outlined the consultation on Valley Gardens, the ‘underused’ green space of some 23 acres stretching from the Level to the Aquarium. It was in effect like a gyratory and a series of clumsy junctions. There was no detailed design but different options were being considered for consultation for traffic travelling North-South.

21.14 One concept would be for all North-South traffic on the West of Valley Gardens with bus lane/cycle lane/paved area on the East.

21.15 Options would be modelled, then consultations would help inform the detailed design. The Council website gave full details.

21.16 The meeting discussed bus routes in the area that could help relieve the pressure on St James’ Street.

21.17 Answering questions EF said improvements at Pool Valley could possibly be included. Looking at all the Gateways to the city was a separate piece of work.

21.18 The Chair Jack Hazelgrove thanked the officers for their detailed thorough information.