Decision details

Experimental road closure for Littledown Road at its junction Stoke Road

Decision Maker: Executive Director - Regeneration, Housing and Environment

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

In 2019, the Cabinet approved the implementation of Stoke Road Corridor Highway improvement works to provide an enhanced highway transport infrastructure to support the planned regeneration projects to take place in the area.

The scheme introduced reduction in vehicle speeds, high quality resurfacing and the installation of traffic signals to improve road safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians at the junction of Wellington Street and Wexham Road and the junction of Stoke Road, Elliman Avenue its junction with Shaggy Calf Lane, its junction with Stanley Cottages and its junction with Mill Street.

Littledown Road is a side road connecting Grays Road and Stoke Road. Drivers using this road to exit onto Stoke Road must cross a pedestrian footway, creating a significant safety hazard for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, due to the absence of traffic signals on Littledown Road and its junction with Stoke Road, when drivers at Littledown Road attempt to turn right or left, it leads to further conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists crossing Stoke Road. This issue is particularly problematic when drivers turn right, as the limited sight distance at the crossing location prevents them from stopping in time to allow pedestrians to cross safely.As part of Stoke Road corridor and junction improvements, it is recommended to close Littledown Road at its junction Stoke Road under an experimental scheme. This measure will enhance pedestrian safety and reduce dangerous conflicts between pedestrians and drivers.

The closure of Littledown road at its junction Stoke Road is expected to improve road safety for the community and road users. Access into Littledown Road will remain available via Grays Road and Stoke Gardens.

Decision:

To approve to undertake an experimental road closure on Littledown Road at its junction Stoke Road, reference to the Stoke Road scheme improvements works to improve road safety of pedestrians and cyclists at the area.

1. That the consultation exercise on the proposed design for the scheme is undertaken to gather feedback from local residents, commuters, ward members and statutory consultees.

2. That the necessary traffic orders are prepared and consulted on in preparation for the scheme delivery

3. Subject to there being no objections from stakeholders to the experimental scheme, the closure of Littledown Road at its junction Stoke Road will made a permanent scheme.


Alternative options considered:

National Policies:

DfT’s Gear Change a Bold Vision for cycling and walking that presents four themes to encourage cycling. These themes include Better Streets for cycling and pedestrians, cycling at the heart of decision making, empowering and encouraging Local Authorities and enabling people to cycle and protecting them when they do. The strategy sets an objective to double cycling rates and to increase the number of children aged 5 to 10 that usually walk to school from 49% to 55% by 2025.

DfT’s Strategic framework for Road Safety: The DfT's Strategic Framework for Road Safety outlines the UK Department for Transport's comprehensive plan to reduce road casualties and improve safety for all road users. It sets clear targets for casualty reduction and promotes collaboration among stakeholders, including local authorities and private sectors, to achieve sustainable improvements in road safety.

Vision Zero

The Vision Zero strategy, which has been adopted by several UK cities like London, aims to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by making changes to road design, enforcement, and education.

Key principles include: Prioritizing safety for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Designing roads that minimize the risk of accidents, with features like better crossings, lower speed limits, and protected bike lanes.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs)LTNs aim to reduce through-traffic in residential areas, which can make the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. These neighbourhoods often feature: Restricted vehicle access or reduced speed limits in residential areas.

Increased priority for walking and cycling, with improved paths and crossings.

Measures like traffic filters and road closures to reduce rat-running traffic, which can be dangerous for vulnerable road users.

Local Policies:

• The Corporate Improvement and Recovery Plan Corporate Plan 2023-27 (A fresh start)
i. A borough for children and young people to thrive; by introducing a safer road network that enables them to walk and cycle to access facilities for education, play areas, home and work and as a result tackling obesity.
ii. A town where residents can live healthier, safer and more independent lives. An environment that helps residents live more independent, healthier and safer lives needs by introducing road safety measures that improve the road network for all road users.
iii. A cleaner, healthier and more prosperous Slough; a council that lives within our means, balances the budget and delivers best value for taxpayers and service users by providing enhancement works that help reduce the severity of fatal and serious injury collisions and provide safer passage to places of work, shopping areas, school, home.

• Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
The council has committed to challenging targets, with a net zero carbon target by 2040 for the borough, and a stretch target of 2030 for the Council’s operations. Improving pedestrian and cyclists’ safety will encourage active travel and reduce pollution.

• The Low Emission Strategy
Improving walking and cycling infrastructure will reduce emissions and improve the air quality at the area.

The Local Transport Plan

The proposed closure aligns the road safety objectives within the Council’s Local Transport Plan 3, to reduce the number of road accidents and casualties.

Legal Implications

• The Traffic Management Act 2004 (Section 16(1)) imposes a Network Management Duty to ensure that Slough Borough Council secures the expeditious movement of traffic on the authority’s road network and facilitates the expeditious movement of traffic on road networks for which another authority is the traffic authority.
• All proposals that require permanent and temporary traffic orders are subject to procedures under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (RTRA 1984) and the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996. It should be noted that under the RTRA 1984 s.122 the Council has a duty to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic (including pedestrians), which involves a balancing exercise in accordance with that Act.
• The introduction of signage and road markings will be undertaken using the Council’s statutory powers as the Highway Authority and The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.

Financial Implications:

Local Growth Fund Stream 3 grant from Berkshire Local Transport Body (BLTB), will be used to fund the scheme. There are no funding implications to the Council.

Publication date: 30/01/2025

Date of decision: 29/01/2025

Accompanying Documents: