Agenda item

(Louisa Calam, Project Manager Town Centre Development)

[Approximate starting time:7.40pm]

To request approval for advertising a speed limit change on Victoria Way and to provide an update on the Woking Transport Infrastructure Package

Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

(i)    Note the results of the advertising of the TRO’s and the update from the previous March 2017 report.

(ii)   Authorise the advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order for the creation of a 30mph speed limit along Victoria Way between the junction with Church Street West (the start of the existing southbound 30mph speed limit) to Chertsey Road, to include revoking of the existing speed limit of 40mph (NB – Step 6 of the SCC Speed Limit Policy states that if the Committee disagree with with recommendations presented to them by the Highways Manager and wish to proceed with an alternative option, then the issue must be submitted for decision by the Cabinet Member responsible for road safety).

(iii)  Authorise the Surrey County Council Area Highways Manager, in consultation with the Woking Town Centre Project Manager and the Chairman and Vice Chairman, to advertise the appropriate legal notices in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to implement the proposed changes and revoke any existing traffic orders, as necessary;

(iv) Agree that the Surrey County Council Area Highways Manager, in consultation with the Woking Town Centre Project Manager and the Chairman and Vice Chairman, resolve any objections received in connection with the proposals, and implement subject to no irresolvable objections.

Reasons:

The amendments to the TRO are sought as part of the package of improved transport and access facilities to the town centre as well as the provision of a high quality urban environment as part of the major public realm improvements to Woking Town Centre.

The Town Centre Project Manager presented a report on the various traffic regulation orders (TRO’s) needed to support improved transport access to Woking town centre as part of the ongoing improvements.  This included a change of speed limit on Victoria Way from 40mph to 30mph.  Members heard from the Area Highways Manager who raised concerns that the proposal did not fit within the County Council Speed Reduction Policy.

Members raised the following points:

There are 6 sets of traffic lights on the stretch of road being considered for a 30mph limit, so it is likely that 40mph can only be achieved at very quiet times of the day.  There are other areas i.e. the A320 past Hoe Valley School which are 40mph, so this would suggest inconsistency within the town.  The was part of an investment of £23.5 million to include pedestrians and cyclists with new access to stores and facilities across Victoria Way, hence the speed reduction to reshape and create a slower environment. 

RESOLVED

Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

      i.        Note the results of the advertising of the TRO’s and the update from the previous March 2017 report.

     ii.        Authorise the advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order for the creation of a 30mph speed limit along Victoria Way between the junction with Church Street West (the start of the existing southbound 30mph speed limit) to Chertsey Road, to include revoking of the existing speed limit of 40mph;  40mph (NB – Step 6 of the SCC Speed Limit Policy states that if the Committee disagree with with recommendations presented to them by the Highways Manager and wish to proceed with an alternative option, then the issue must be submitted for decision by the Cabinet Member responsible for road safety).

    iii.        Authorise the Surrey County Council Area Highways Manager, in consultation with the Woking Town Centre Project Manager and the Chairman and Vice Chairman, to advertise the appropriate legal notices in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to implement the proposed changes and revoke any existing traffic orders, as necessary;

   iv.        Agree that the Surrey County Council Area Highways Manager, in consultation with the Woking Town Centre Project Manager and the Chairman and Vice Chairman, resolve any objections received in connection with the proposals, and implement subject to no irresolvable objections.