Meeting documents

HTM/11/14

North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee

25 October 2011

Boutport Street, Barnstaple Casualty Severity Reduction

Scheme for Formal Approval

Report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management

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

Recommendation: It is recommended that the:

(a) scheme shown on drawing number EATS(N)472 12 00 be approved at an estimated cost of 70,000;

(b) traffic orders required to remove the loading bays and disabled bay be advertised, made and sealed if there are no objections.

1. Summary

This report details the proposals to provide uncontrolled crossing points and rationalisation of loading, parking and bus stops at Boutport Street, Barnstaple.

2. Background/Introduction

The northern end of Boutport Street from its junction with Queen Street to the junction with Bear Street has emerged over recent years as a crash site and therefore a scheme has been designed as part of the County's casualty and severity reduction programme. The primary cause of crashes in this area is conflict between pedestrians and motor vehicles. The street is busy, both in terms of traffic (buses, taxis, delivery vehicles, private cars) and pedestrians due to many businesses and services being located in the area. The purpose of the proposed scheme is to create a safer environment through the creation of crossing points on raised plateaux which will be aided by the rationalisation of kerbside use of the highway by revision of loading bays, bus stops and also removal of parking.

3. Proposal

The proposed scheme is shown on Drg No. EATS(N)472 12 attached. The proposed scheme entails traffic calming by construction of a plateau at the junction of Boutport Street with Queen Street, and construction of a crossing point at the Butchers' Row Junction. The existing planters at this location will be removed and it is proposed to provide two benches on the widened pavement. Subject to public advertisement and consideration of objections, the loading bay and disabled parking bays opposite the Queens Theatre are to be deleted and replaced with no waiting at any time. The purpose of these parking management changes is to improve access for public transport and large goods vehicles through this narrow section of Boutport Street. The existing loading bay outside the Queens Theatre will remain. The length of Boutport Street between the two plateaux is to be widened to maintain a 5 metre lane width between the bus stops and which improves sight lines to the crossing points at the end of Butchers' Row. The footway width will be maintained at a minimum width of three metres.

4. Financial Considerations

The estimated cost of this scheme is 70,000. This sum has been identified in the Local Transport Plan 2011/12 Integrated Block Programme for Market and Coastal Towns and Rural Devon.

5. Alternative Options

Various options were considered but given the nature of the locale the only viable option identified that satisfies the conflicting demands on the highway made by vehicles and pedestrians is the proposed scheme.

6. Sustainability Considerations

The objectives and strategies of the Devon Local Transport Plan aim to improve travel choices including walking to reduce unnecessary use of the private car, as a contribution to improving Devon's environmental, social and economic well being.

The scheme supports this objective by encouraging walking and making provision for public transport.

7. Carbon Impact Considerations

The scheme will a neutral carbon impact.

8. Equality Considerations

An Equality Impact and Needs Assessment (EINA) was undertaken for the Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026, which included the 2011/12 programme as described in this report. No negative impacts were identified.

9. Legal Considerations

There are no specific legal considerations.

10. Risk Management Considerations

Financial risk has been identified and appropriate allowances within the scheme estimate have been made to protect the Council's position.

11. Reason for Recommendation/Conclusion

The proposed scheme will create a safer highway environment for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

Lester Willmington

Head of Highways and Traffic Management

Electoral Division: Barnstaple North

District Ward: Central Town

Local Government Act 1972: List of Background Papers

Contact for enquiries: Rhys Davies

Room No. 511 Barnstaple Civic Centre

Tel No: (01392) 388526

Background Paper		Date	File Ref.
1.	Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2011-2026: Implementation Plan for Devon and Proposed 2011/12 Programme	9 March 2011	EEC/11/35/HQ

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sc/cr/Boutport Street Barnstaple casualty severity reduction scheme

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