Issue - meetings

Report by the Director of Highways, Transport and Planning

The North Mid Sussex County Local Committee are asked to consider that the resulting benefits to the community outweigh the objections raised, and authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the order as advertised and install the pedestrian crossing and associated new cycleway.

At its meeting on 25 June 2019, the North Mid Sussex County Local Committee considered the report from the Director of Highways, Transport and Planning.

The Committee, having considered that the resulting benefits to the community outweighed the objections raised, agreed to authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the Order as advertised and install the pedestrian crossing and associated new cycleway.

The call-in deadline is 3 July 2019.

7.1     The Committee considered a report by the Director of Highways, Transport and Planning & the Head of Highway Operations (copy appended to the signed minutes).

7.2     Mr Speller introduced the report and explained that the scheme would be funded from section 106 and not the County Council’s capital budget.  The scheme would incorporate cycle crossing which would assist cyclists who were not permitted to use the underpass.

7.3     Mrs Russell commented that there had been strong feelings from local residents on the scheme, but felt that the signalised crossing would improve safety as it was not possible to force people to use the underpass.  Children would be able to cross safely and the crossing would compliment the underpass.  With regard to air quality concerns, Mrs Russell reported she was working on bus, walking and cycling strategies.

7.4     The Committee made comments including those that follow.

•     Queried why double yellow lines had not been incorporated into the scheme.  – Mr Speller commented that yellow lines would require re-advertisement of the scheme and that it was better to submit a new Traffic Regulation for these, or wait for the Road Space Audit.

•     Asked if bike racks could be included in the scheme.  – Mr Speller agreed to look into this and commented that it would depend on the available budget.

•     Sought clarity on the reported confusion of the scheme’s origin.  – Mrs Russell confirmed that the Business Manager from Sackville School was supportive.  Mr Speller explained that the scheme had come via the School Travel Plan and the Safe Routes to School team.  Mr Speller resolved to check this.

•     Queried the maintenance costs of the scheme.  – Mr Speller explained that capital budgets were used for installations and revenue budgets were used for maintenance.  It was estimated that traffic signals cost £1,500 per year for maintenance.

•     Asked if a lollypop person had been considered for the site.  – Mr Speller reported on the current difficulty with appointing to these roles.

•     Queried why the underpass was underused.  – Mrs Russell explained that teachers were currently escorting children through the underpass at peak times.

•     Sought confirmation that statutory consultees were supportive of the scheme.  – Mrs Russell confirmed that the bus company and emergency services were happy with the scheme.

7.5     Resolved – That the Committee, having considered that the resulting benefits to the community outweigh the objections raised, agree to authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the Order as advertised and install the pedestrian crossing and associated new cycleway.