Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

Note: The objectors have been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item

The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) concerning two objections that had been received to a Traffic Regulation Order, advertised on 20^th September, 2018, which revoked the prohibition of the no left turn from Warwick Road into Westminster Road. The objectors, James Avery and George Riches, attended the meeting and spoke in support of their objections.

The report indicated that as part of the Station Master Plan works, it was proposed to temporarily increase the available off street car parking at Westminster Road with a public car park of 157 spaces and a private parking area with 47 spaces for Eaton House. Currently, due to existing traffic management arrangements, vehicles couldn’t turn left from Warwick Road into Westminster Road where the car park entrance was located. Therefore to improve access it was proposed to permit the left turn and to change the road layout at the junction to facilitate this.

Following a 21 day objection period for the Traffic Regulation Order, the two objections received raised issues relating to the impact of the new route for traffic on vulnerable users in the area. Details of both objections were set out in the appendix to the report.

The first objection raised concerns which related to the objector’s use of Westminster Road as part of the route to the station and the potential for rat running. The report indicated that to prevent drivers using Westminster Road as a cut through, it was proposed to create a ‘no entry’ part way along Westminster Road so traffic entering from Warwick Road could only travel up to the car park entrance. A TRO concerning this proposal was advertised on 18^th October and one response in support was received.  The Cabinet Member noted that pedestrian dropped kerbs with tactile paving were already in place on Westminster Road. The new entry location would include a build out and cycle bypass which should also assist to slow down traffic.

The second objection related to cycle access in the area requesting physical and legal measures be taken to allow for safe and legal westbound cycling from the Warwick Road toucan crossing to the junction of Westminster Road and Grosvenor Road. A concern was raised about a lack of signage. The report highlighted that the proposed revocation would provide an alternative route on the carriageway for cyclists. The other issues had been passed to the Transport Delivery Team for consideration.

James Avery spoke about the vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists and the need for reasonable adjustments to be made for them. He drew attention to the importance of always considering equality matters when decisions were being taken. George Riches referred to the potential for the significant increase in passengers at the train station over the next few years and the need to encourage walking and cycling. He highlighted the lack of signage from the station to the west of the city.     

RESOLVED that, having considered the objections to the proposed waiting restrictions:

(1) Approval be given for the City of Coventry (Warwick Road) (Prohibition of Left Turn Revocation) Order 2018 to be made operational.

(2) Officers be requested to investigate the signage on the cycle route from the train station to the west of the city.