Thursday 25 August 2016
Cyclist and pedestrian safety at the Salerie Car Park entrance will be improved if plans are approved for a pedestrian and cyclist crossing. There will be a raised platform set back from the entrance with cyclist and pedestrians having priority over motorists.
The Planning Service will now consider the application, which would see changes made to the area including: alterations to the junction layout to slow traffic speed on entry, setting the cycle and pedestrian paths back away from the road, a raised table installed for the crossing, the bus stop relocated and the layout of the recycling area adjusted, resulting in the net loss of five car parking spaces. The purpose of the changes is to help improve safety and visibility for all users at this junction where there have been collisions and numerous reports of near misses. The planned changes are also intended to make the entrance to the car park more attractive by including features such as new flowerbeds and a relocated street light. It is anticipated that the changes will cost in the region of £50,000 to implement.
Deputy Mark Dorey, Vice President for the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said:
'There are many competing demands at this busy junction so the committee wanted to ensure that improvements will provide a safer crossing point for cyclists and pedestrians, reduce the speed of traffic entering the car park and at the same time enhance the area. We hope that changes such as these will also encourage walking and cycling.
The Committee approved the proposals after consulting with a number of relevant local organisations and considering expert advice on the layout. As vehicles enter the car park their speeds will be reduced by the changes to the entrance. Signage and the raised platform will alert motorists that pedestrians and cyclists, following the direction of the main road, have priority across the car park access in line with accepted best practice.
The changes, if approved, will also ensure cyclists and pedestrians are warned about the junction and will be slowed down by a hazard warning surface on the cycle path and their vision is improved by the cyclists and motor vehicles meeting perpendicularly. Motorists entering and exiting the car park will be encouraged to drive carefully and required to give way to cyclists and pedestrians. A similar sized area for recycling is included in the proposals along with additional small car spaces, although there will be a net loss of five parking spaces in order to improve visibility.
'The details of the road markings/signage/blister paving etc are still being finalised but these fall outside of the need for planning permission.'
If approved, it is hoped that the changes would be made at the same time as targeted patch repairs in St George's Esplanade, where the road has worn due to heavy traffic use and weather.
As large parts of the road are still in a good condition, only treating the worn areas is the most cost-effective solution. This will extend the service life of St George's Esplanade, improve its condition, and reduce the chance of potholes forming in this important road.
These works are due to start on Monday 19 September and it is anticipated both schemes would be completed by the end of October.
Plans for the improvement works at the Salerie junction can be seen at the Development and Planning Authority offices at Sir Charles Frossard House, or at the Traffic and Highway Services office at Bulwer Avenue.
