REMOVAL OF EXISTING PRIORITY BUILDOUT, SUTTON ROAD, SHREWSBURY
Concerns have been raised by local residents over a number of years relating to traffic flow and speeds along Sutton Road, particularly along the northern section from the Wenlock Road to the Laundry lane junction. Those concerns are compounded by the constrained carriageway and footway widths which have led particularly to issues relating to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Following extensive consultation, approximately 2 years ago a priority buildout was constructed on Sutton Road as part of a larger traffic calming scheme aong this length of Sutton Road. The buildout was constructed approimately 100 metres north of the Stonehurst Drive junction.
Automated Traffic Surveys in the area of the buildout indicate average speed reductions from 29 and 28 mph northbound and southbound prior to the scheme to 24 and 24.2 mph respectively after the scheme.
No personal injury accidents have been recorded since the installation of the priority buildout.
In spite of the above, concerns have been raised by residents that the buildout can cause vehicle conflict and its removal has therefore been requested.
A letter drop to approximately 680 Sutton farm households was agreed and undertaken in November 2008. 58 response were received this equating to an8.5% response rate. Of the responses received, 71% supported removal of the buildout, 12% requested its retention and 26% were non-committal.
Unfortunately, this consultation result was misleading, as the letter incorrectly stated that a nil return would count as being in favour of retaining the buildout. Consequently a further consultation was undertaken to clarify the community's view on this issue.
1283 letters were distributed and 617 responses were received (48%). Of these respondents 471 (76%) support removal of the buildout and 141 (23%) support its retention and 5 (1%) were non-committal.
Within 100 meters either side of the buildout (includign side roads) there were a total of 14 respondents. Of these, 11 (79%) support retaining the buildout whilst 3 (21%) support its removal.
The Local Member and Portfolio Holder support the removal of the buildout as it is the wish of the local community.
Scheme costs and funding:
The estimated budget cost for the removal of the buildout is £3,000 the work would be funded from 2009/2010 trafic revenue maintenance budget.
Timescale:
Works would be programmed for the 2009/2010 financial year.
Tom McCabe -
Recommendations:
OR
(b) That the Corporate Director refer the issue to the Regulatory Committee.
Decisions reached: