Purpose

The scheme proposes a package of highway improvements to make travel in Partington safer, easier and more accessible. The aim is to give residents better choices for short local journeys, reduce reliance on the car where possible, improve local connections and create a safer and healthier environment.

Decision

1)    That the results of the consultation and the objections received be noted.

2)    That, following careful consideration, the objections are not upheld except where they are addressed through the targeted amendments set out in the report.

3)    That authorisation be given to remove Schedule 7 – No Right Turn Order from the Traffic Regulation Order, as advertised.

4)    That authorisation be given to make and implement Schedules 1 to 6 of the Traffic Regulation Order, as advertised and as shown on the drawings attached at Appendix 1, subject to final drawing reference check.

5)    That the detailed design stage considers alternative opportunities, such as echelon-style parking or alternative parking layouts, to optimise parking provision on Broadway where any such arrangement would need to satisfy technical requirements relating to visibility, available carriageway width, vehicle swept paths, drainage, footway protection, refuse collection, emergency access and safe entry and exit movements.

6)    That localised “keep clear” markings are introduced where required to maintain safe access and visibility, including at Wood Lane / A6144 Warburton Lane, if confirmed through detailed design.

7)    That all objectors be informed of the decision.

Reasons for the decision

The recommendations are based on the conclusion that the scheme will deliver significant road safety, accessibility and sustainable travel benefits, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, wheelchair users, people with pushchairs, children, older residents and cyclists. The proposals are supported by consultation feedback, active travel survey evidence, collision and speed data, and are considered a necessary and proportionate package of measures to address severance, improve crossing opportunities and encourage safer local journeys.

All objections have been carefully considered and, where appropriate, amendments have been made, including removing the proposed right-turn ban from Bailey Lane in response to local access concerns. However, the remaining measures are considered integral to achieving the scheme's objectives and are therefore recommended to proceed substantially as advertised.

Alternative options considered

Throughout the development of the scheme, a range of options were considered in response to issues raised through consultation and design review. On Broadway, opportunities to retain or increase parking provision through echelon-style parking arrangements were explored. However, this option was discounted at the current stage due to highway safety concerns associated with vehicles reversing into and out of parking spaces on a route that is anticipated to experience increased traffic flows as a result of the approved strategic development at the western end of Broadway. Such manoeuvres could increase conflict between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and would not support the scheme's safety objectives.

Similarly, the original proposal to prohibit right-turn movements from Bailey Lane onto A6144 Warburton Lane was intended to support the operation of the new crossing and cycle infrastructure. However, following careful consideration of objections relating to local access, journey lengths and potential traffic displacement onto surrounding residential streets, the Council has adopted a balanced approach by removing the proposed right-turn ban whilst retaining the one-way arrangement and associated active travel improvements.

Aside from these targeted amendments, the remaining measures are considered integral to the delivery of the scheme's objectives. The package of crossings, traffic calming, speed management, junction improvements, footway upgrades and cycle infrastructure has been developed as a coherent set of interventions designed to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity. These measures are particularly important for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, wheelchair users, people with pushchairs or mobility aids, children travelling to school, older residents and cyclists, and are therefore recommended to proceed as proposed.