As part of the Cycling City and Sustrans Connect2 Projects, we are aiming to improve the pedestrian and cycle routes from the Bower Ashton area into the city centre. As a result we are proposing to install a light controlled crossing of Clanage Road at the junction of Kennel Lodge Road. It is proposed that this facility will be a ‘toucan’ crossing enabling pedestrians and cyclists a safe crossing point on Clanage Road. As part of the proposal, we are also looking to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph improving the environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

Your views will be considered as part of this project.

There were a total of 11 responses to the consultation, 9 via email and 2 written (including responses from the CTC, Bristol Cycling Campaign and UWE). The principle of the crossing was overwhelmingly supported.

The main points raised were:

1. Comments were made about the complicated signals design - the advanced stop line configuration raised comments about the urbanisation of the area
2. There was concern about the noise created by proposed high friction surfacing
3. Residents asked for the 30mph limit to be extended out to Rownham Hill to tie in with the 30mph limit across the authority boundary in North Somerset.
4. Concerns over the shared use nature of the footway outside the properties on Clanage Road.

The response:

1. The Cycling City team have revised the design of the signals layout although the traffic island from the original design will be kept. Altering the signal design has reduced the number of columns required for traffic lights - therefore reducing the impact on the conservation area.
2. Engineers have advised that the high friction surfacing proposed will not be any more audible than the existing road surface.
3. N. Somerset are proposing to remove the 30mph from the boundary, as a result, the consistency argument doesn't stand. Also, during discussions with the police, it was agreed that a 30mph limit beyond the extent of existing street lighting would not be self enforcing.
4. The footway would only be shared use to meet the crossing point only. The remainder would simply be widened footway.

What happens next:

Engineers are redrawing the scheme design to incorporate the new signal design. The premise of the original proposal still stands so there will not be another consultation with the public on the revised proposals.
The intention will then be to advertise a Traffic Regulation Order where residents will be given a further opportunity to comment during the formal consultation process.