Issue - meetings

AGREED:

That the revised scheme as laid out in the report with tabled Appendix 3, be progressed.

Mr Andrew Milne noted that members had considered a report on this scheme on 26 November (attached as Appendix 2) and raised concerns about the congestion impacts which may arise from an all-red pedestrian phase at the traffic lights controlling this busy junction. He explained that, at that point, the all-red phase appeared to be the only feasible solution because of the space constraints around the junction. Mr Milne explained that, following agreement from Royal Holloway College to dedicate a portion of its land at the corner of St Jude’s Road and London Road, an alternative new design for crossings on two of the four arms of the junction had been drawn up (Appendix 1). He asked members to note the tabled item, Appendix 3, outlining the additional costs of the revised design, construction and utilities relocation on this corner, and how a budget may be reached to meet these. He advised that, although the item was for information, he would appreciate a steer from the local committee on how to proceed.

[Miss Marisa Heath, the local member for Englefield Green, joined the meeting with apologies for lateness].

Members expressed their support for the revised scheme in light of the advice received from the police and the substantial petition presented urging progress. Concerns were expressed about the significantly increased estimated total cost of £350,000 and suggestions were made that the College might be invited to contribute, and that one arm of the junction – the A30 London Road – might be prioritised for immediate action, with a crossing point for St Jude’s Road to be considered at a later date, as some residents had suggested a controlled crossing by the shops at the entrance to the village. Mr Milne advised that he could not give an immediate estimate for the latter option and that pursuing this would entail further delay in re-designing and costing; he also noted that the pedestrian survey (described in Appendix 2) had shown considerable demand to cross St Jude’s Road at the existing traffic lights. The chairman noted the general consensus in favour of a two crossing solution as set out in the report, and asked Mr Milne to explore further the A30-only option.

Mr Furey proposed a resolution, seconded by Councillor Roberts, which was carried unanimously:

AGREED:

That the revised scheme as laid out in the report with tabled Appendix 3, be progressed