Agenda item

Purpose: To consider any items called-in by the requisite number of Members following the Individual Executive Member Decisions on 16 March 2023.

The Commission considered the call-in of the Individual Executive Member Decision (ID4317) of 16 March 2023 related to Active Travel Experimental Road Closures and Prohibition of Motor Vehicles on Deadmans Lane (Agenda Item 6).

It was noted that the circumstances related to both call-ins being considered at this meeting were unusual in that the decisions had been called in by Liberal Democrat Members prior to the election when they were in opposition, but they were now in the administration. Also, neither of the current Executive Portfolio Holders were part of the Council when the original decisions had been made.

Councillor Denise Gaines (Executive Portfolio Holder for Highways, Housing and Sustainable Travel) and Neil Stacey (Network Manager (Highways)) presented the background and rationale for the Individual Executive Member’s Decision not to progress this scheme. Key points from the presentation were:

·         Government funding had been secured from the Department for Transport in 2020/21 for Active Travel initiatives, including several ‘quiet street’ schemes.

·         An Experimental Traffic Order was brought into force in July 2022 for a maximum duration of 18 months, the effect of which was to prohibit motor vehicles from Deadmans Lane and two other streets in the District.

·         During the first six months of the operation of such orders, affected road users are able to make representations to the Council supporting or objecting to the restriction. In light of the representations received, the Council then makes a decision as to whether to make the restriction permanent, to abandon it or to modify it.

·         Although Deadman’s Lane was included within the Experimental Traffic Order, the restriction was never implemented on site due to unresolved issues around an access to Theale Green School and operational issues affecting the Network Management Team at the time.

·         Because members of the public were unable to comment on the operation of the restriction during the initial six month period, it was not possible to make the Order permanent.

Councillor Alan Macro presented the reasons why the decision had been called in and the alternative course of action proposed. Key points from the presentation were:

·         Deadman’s Lane was very narrow with a double bend and it was not possible for vehicles to pass other vehicles or even pedestrians with pushchairs.

·         If two vehicles met, one would have to reverse up to 200m onto Englefield Road or round the double bend – neither option was considered safe.

·         Deadman’s Lane was well used by pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians as a recreational route and also as a route to Theale Green School.

·         The school was located to the east of the lane, with playing fields and a bus park on the west side, which resulted in significant numbers of people needing to cross the road.

·         There was very little use of the lane by motor vehicles, since it did not serve any houses or businesses – occasionally, delivery vehicles were routed along the lane by sat-navs.

·         The small car park to the rear of the school was accessed from the lane, but it was suggested that the road could be closed to the north of the car park to prevent use of the narrow section.

·         It was suggested that advanced signage may would help to prevent vehicular access and drivers having to reverse to Spring Lane to turn round.

The following points were raised as part of the debate:

·         Members agreed that the Individual Executive Member decision had been sensible, since a delay could have affected the other schemes covered on the same Experimental Traffic Order.

·         Technically, the original decision could not be referred back for reconsideration, because the six month consultation period of the traffic order had expired. However, the Deadmans Lane project could be revived and a new traffic order made as part of the Network Management Team’s works programme.

·         Members asked about where the proposed closure would start – it was suggested that it should start just after the access to the rear car park for Theale Green School. Traffic ignoring the signs would only have to reverse a short way to Spring Gardens to turn round.

·         Officers considered that in addition to prominent signage, physical barriers would be essential to enforce the closure – otherwise, active travel users would have a false sense of security.

·         It was noted that the school would need to be consulted on any new proposal to close the road before the restriction came into force.

RESOLVED that the Individual Executive Member Decision (ID4317) should stand, but that the proposal for a road closure and active travel scheme on Deadman’s Lane be referred to Councillor Denise Gaines as the new Executive Portfolio Holder for Highways, Housing and Sustainable Travel for consideration as part of a separate scheme.