Options for Access Road to Civic Offices

The Problem

You may be aware that the private access road, Kornwestheim Way leading to Villeneuve St. Georges Way is becoming an established popular “rat run” for vehicles travelling from the south and east.  Some vehicles use Dew Lane to avoid the Passfield Avenue traffic signals and having turned left into Passfield Avenue then proceed along the private access road.  At busy times these vehicles are blocking legitimate traffic turning right out of the Access Road into Passfield Avenue.  This increased volume of traffic then queue at the end of the Access Road waiting to turn left on to Leigh Road, see Fig 1. The problem is compounded by a general reluctance to turn left immediately but instead, wait for a clear road before filtering across into the outside lane.  This action increases existing long queues on Leigh Road as vehicles need to stop to allow vehicles to filter in.

The Result

The practice is causing unnecessary congestion, promotes poor driving standards (there has been at least one incident of road rage reported) and may ultimately result in difficult claim settlements in the event of an accident.  It should be noted that the access road is private, i.e. not public highway.  The additional traffic is causing accelerated wear and tear to the road surface which is maintainable at the expense of the legitimate users and not the highway authority.

The Previous Actions

Some years ago when the problem was less severe, speed humps were installed.  These were later upgraded to the four concrete humps which are in-situ today.  However, they do not have the deterrent value that is needed.  The increase in volume of west to east traffic along the access road warrants a fresh look at how the problem can be dealt with. The situation is likely to get much worse when the temporary closure of Southampton Road occurs later this year and Passfield Avenue becomes increasingly congested.

The New Proposals

It is therefore considered that a more rigorous solution to the existing measures should be sought to make the access road a less attractive short cut. 

Two options have been considered and are discussed as follows:-

Option 1 - One way system. 

• See Drawing numbered E/EC/00/D82/04 (opens in a new window)

Make one section of the access road "One Way".  This would stop short cutting traffic entirely.  Access to Fleming Park, the bowling club and Home Farm would be unaffected.  The creation of the "one way" section could be designed to include a contra-flow cycleway.  The existing road humps would remain. There would only be a loss of two on-street parking places.

Positives

• Traffic flow from Leigh Road to Passfield Avenue, (West to East) would continue uninterrupted
• Emergency vehicles would be able to traverse the one way section, even in the opposite direction if necessary as visibility from start to end is good
• Stops cut through vehicles travelling from Passfield Avenue to Leigh Road at speed to avoid lights
• Low set up cost
• Reduces wear and tear on the private road.

Negatives

• Runs 24 hours a day
• Members of staff travelling by car from the easterly direction who would then have to negotiate the Passfield Avenue traffic signals to access the main car park.
• All traffic leaving Fleming Park would have to depart via Passfield Avenue. 

Option 2 – Automated Arm Barrier or Automated Raising Bollard with Access via control Pad. 

• See Drawing numbered E/EC/00/D82/05 (opens in a new window)

Effectively restrict access to the road from both directions.  Some form of barrier system i.e. rising bollards or automated arms could be introduced operated by keypad or magnetic card.  This would enable only authorised users to make use of the access road in either direction. The preferred location for the barriers would be a short distance west of the bowling club access. 

Positives

• Can have system set to work only at peak times e.g. 7-10am and 3-6pm
• Can be deactivated easily for any major events.

Negatives

• Emergency vehicles would require a key or number to allow the barrier to activate
• Only working at peak times could confuse people and mean they have to "U" turn
• High set up cost
• Constant maintenance cost

Whichever option is chosen, the signage in particular in Villeneuve St. Georges Way leading from Leigh Road would need to be upgraded to make it clear that access is restricted.

• Choose your preference and comment using our online form

Closing date for comments 13^th June 2008