To receive a presentation on a concept design for a shared space scheme along Blue Boar Row.
Officer: Spencer Drinkwater, Principal Officer Transport Strategy Sustainable Transport
Minutes:
Spencer Drinkwater, Principal Officer Transport Strategy Sustainable Transport, delivered a presentation on a concept design for a shared space scheme along Blue Boar Row.
The Salisbury Vision’s Traffic and Movement Strategy had identified three key aims which the Blue Boar Row scheme would try to incorporate. The aims were to:
• Minimise traffic movements circulating or moving through the City Centre;
• Make the City more ‘friendly’ for pedestrians and cyclists; and
• Improve the streetscape within the core of the City.
What was shared space?
• Shared space was an urban design approach which sought to give all users more freedom in how a space was used.
• It meant different things to different people, and design must reflect the local context of each site.
• The aim was to create a multi-functional, flexible space, with ‘place’ qualities prioritised over vehicle movement.
• The aim was an inclusive, comfortable environment for all non-vehicle users that was not dominated by vehicles.
• Definition and segregation of ‘vehicle space’ was reduced, creating a greater sense of uncertainty for drivers and removing their sense of priority - thereby reducing vehicle speed and deterring drivers.
Coming to the Board was the first stage in the consultation process, to gain the support for the initial development and design stages of the scheme to move forward. If the Board supported the concept, then the scheme would move forward and there would be further consultation including:
• Consultation with Wiltshire Councillors, the City Council, and Disability and Access Groups
• Consultation with other stakeholders
• Consideration of representations
• Report to Salisbury Area Board (Select preferred option)
• Report to Cabinet Member
• Decision to progress to detail design and implementation (Yes/No?)
Comments and questions included:
· It was refreshing to see something new for Salisbury, this would be an opportunity to try something different.
· Would the road close during the works? Answer: Yes the junction would close for some time whilst the works were undertaken.
· This would be good for cyclists as vehicle speeds would reduce with this scheme.
· Businesses would love this scheme, it would encourage people to stay in the City for longer. It would be important to spend time on the consultation and to get businesses on board.
· How soon could a scheme take place? Answer: A scheme could be implemented as early as 2017.
· The congestion and air quality issues at this part of Salisbury are an issue, this scheme would ease the problems here.
· Could the scheme be expanded in the future? Answer: It was recognised that the scheme could be expanded in other areas of the city, perhaps in Castle Road to change the environment there.
· Would making this area shared space have a negative impact on users of the crossings there who were blind or disabled? Answer: All of those issues would be considered and consultation with all groups in Salisbury would take place to gain a wider understanding of the concerns of disabled and blind people.
Decision
The Salisbury Area Board fully supported the concept of a Shared Space Scheme for Blue Boar Row and welcomed further updates and presentations as the scheme progressed.