Agenda item

To report back to the Local Committee on the results of the consultation undertaken regarding the Leatherhead to Ashtead cycle route.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED that:

(i)      Consultation on the scheme design has been undertaken in accordance with the plan approved by the local committee at their previous meeting.

(ii)      Officer’s have provided a response to the main points raised in the consultation.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED the AMENDED recommendation:

(iii)    The final detailed designs and traffic modelling for the scheme will proceed, taking into account the comments received in the consultation. Following consultation if only minor amendments are made the final designs will be agreed with the Chair, Vice Chair and Divisional Members (Leatherhead and Fetcham East, and Ashtead) in due course, prior to construction. Should substantial changes to the final design be required prior to construction officers will bring the matter back to the Mole Valley Local Committee for approval.

Mrs Norris raised the question of whether the horse chestnut tree at the junction of Uplands Road.  She also raised the difficulty or residents emerging from their driveways due to cyclists, pedestrians and cars.

Mr Billard the Chairman of the Mole Valley Cycling Forum was grateful for the attempts of Surrey County Council to popularise cycling, its health and environmental benefits.  MVCF have been consulted on this project, though at a later stage than ideal.  MVCF preferred the Leatherhead Town Centre proposal as they believe there is a pressing need for safety features here, however they appreciate this was not successful. They also raised concerns that experienced cyclists won’t use a dual use route and the impact such a route could have on those using mobility vehicles.

The public debate was closed.

The divisional member for Ashtead agreed with residents concerns about tree removals and as many trees as possible will be maintained along the route.  He also commented that the committee has previously looked at brining the speed on the A24 down to 30mph; this route may require the decision for it to be maintained at 40mph to be reconsidered.    He reiterated the fact that the route was not intended for advanced/experienced cyclists but for families and children and there will need to be education in the local area when the route is put in.  The divisional member stated that this is the safer route than taking the cycle way along Ottoways Lane.

The Road Safety Manager confirmed that they will retain as much greenery along the route as possible without compromising safety or visibility. Highways officers and the police will be involved to monitor the safety issues along the route.  The Road Safety Manager emphasised the route is aimed at families and young cyclists, not sports cyclists.

The divisional member for Ashtead raised concerns about the removal of traffic islands on Ottoways Lane, Officers noted these concerns.

The divisional member for Leatherhead and Fetcham East thanked officers of their work on the scheme but raised concerns with regards to the two sheltered housing schemes and two schools on the route.  He also felt the street furniture outside the Leatherhead Institute would need to be looked at regarding its impact on the scheme.

The ward member for Leatherhead South raised concerns regarding the Knoll roundabout crossing and its safety aspect but felt the consultation had been robust.  The Chairman agreed the consultation had been thorough.

Councillors discussed the increased numbers of cyclists on the roads and the safety implications this has for all road users and whether shared use schemes were the most appropriate method to improve safety.

The Chairman proposed an amendment the third recommendation, that should substantial changes be made to the final design then it would come back to committee for approval.  This was seconded by the divisional member for Ashtead

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED that:

(i)      Consultation on the scheme design has been undertaken in accordance with the plan approved by the local committee at their previous meeting.

(ii)      Officer’s have provided a response to the main points raised in the consultation.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED the AMENDED recommendation:

(iii)    The final detailed designs and traffic modelling for the scheme will proceed, taking into account the comments received in the consultation. Following consultation if only minor amendments are made the final designs will be agreed with the Chair, Vice Chair and Divisional Members (Leatherhead and Fetcham East, and Ashtead) in due course, prior to construction. Should substantial changes to the final design be required prior to construction officers will bring the matter back to the Mole Valley Local Committee for approval.