Meeting documents

EEC/10/192/HQ

North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee

26 October 2010

"Devon on the Move" Devon Local Transport Plan (DLTP)

Fair View, Barnstaple, Proposed Zebra Pedestrian Crossing

Scheme for Formal Approval

Report of the Area Engineer (North)

Please note that the following recommendation is subject to consideration and determination by the Committee before taking effect.

Recommendation: It is recommended that the Zebra pedestrian crossing as shown on drawing No. EATS(N)487-09-02 be approved at an estimated cost of 39,000.

1. Summary

This report details proposals to introduce a Zebra controlled pedestrian crossing on Fair View, Barnstaple.

2. Background

There are four school sites located in the Pilton area, Pilton Bluecoat Junior School, Pilton Infant School, Pathfield School and Pilton Community College. The combined sites generate large numbers of school traffic and pedestrian movements.

The primary walking route to serve these schools from the east is Abbey Road via Fair View or Pilton Quay. The junction of Abbey Road is located on a long sweeping bend with reduced visibility for approaching motorists. During school commuter times there is a very high demand for pedestrians to cross Fair View\Pilton Quay into Abbey Road and safety concerns have been raised by the schools through the school travel plan process and also the school crossing patrol service that operates at this location.

The provision of a zebra crossing will work in conjunction with the school crossing patrol to improve safety for vulnerable road users and promote safer walking routes to schools.

The scheme will provide an improved link between the Fair View Car Park and Abbey Road helping to encourage park and walk to the school gates and reduce congestion in Abbey Road.

The scheme will provide an improved crossing option throughout the day. Promoting safer walking routes to the Pilton area for all pedestrians and vulnerable road users.

The scheme has been developed with the local schools. The final proposal has been through consultation with the schools, governors and parents and the scheme is fully supported.

3. Proposals

The scheme proposal detailed on Drawing No. EATS(N)487-09-02 is for a Zebra controlled pedestrian crossing located on Fair View at its junction with Abbey Road.

4. Financial Considerations

The total estimated cost of this scheme is 39,000. Funding for the scheme is identified within the 2010/2011 Barnstaple and Bideford Area Programme, of the Devon Local Transport Plan.

5. Alternative Options

The desired line for pedestrians is to cross as close to the Abbey Road junction as possible. The aim of this scheme was to provide a controlled crossing point as close to the junction as possible to reduce the need for pedestrians from the Pilton Quay direction having to cross and double back to access Abbey Road.

Alternative crossing designs and locations were considered. Due to the visibility restrictions imposed by the bend, the choice of a zebra crossing provided the closest and most convenient crossing point to Abbey Road.

6. Sustainability Considerations

The objectives and strategies of the Devon Local Transport Plan promote alternative travel choices, including walking to reduce unnecessary use of the private car. This scheme will contribute to improving Devon's environmental, social and economic well being by encouraging walking.

7. Carbon Impact Considerations

The scheme will support school travel plans and encourage walking, contributing towards a positive carbon impact by reducing car journeys.

8. Equality Considerations

An Equality Impact and Needs Assessment (EINA) was undertaken for the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011, which included the 2010/11 programmes as described in this report. No negative impacts were identified.

9. Legal Considerations

There are no legal implications at this time.

10. Reasons for Reaching the Recommendation

Provision of a Zebra crossing will enhance school and pedestrian links within the town and improve road safety for vulnerable users.

Joe Deasy

Electoral Division: Barnstaple North

District Ward: North Devon

Local Government Act 1972: List of Background Papers

Contact for enquiries: James Anstee

Room No: Barnstaple Civic Centre, Room 511

Tel No: (01271) 388500

Background Paper		Date	File Ref.
1.	Devon on the Move" - Devon Local Transport Plan (DLTP) Proposed Programme for 2010/2011	10 March 2010	EEC/10/43/HQ

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