You Said We Did | Highways

You said 

The existing pedestrian islands in the centre of the road are shown as removed, this is more dangerous for those walking…

We did

We understand the importance of safe crossing points for all pedestrians. While the existing central islands are being removed, the new pedestrian crossings will be equipped with advanced signal technology that detects pedestrian movement in real time. These smart signals include built-in safety features that ensure slower or more vulnerable users have sufficient time to cross safely. Vehicle signals will remain red for the maximum safe duration when needed, maintaining a high level of pedestrian safety without compromising traffic flow.

You said 

The existing pedestrian islands in the centre of the road are shown as removed, this is more dangerous for those walking…

We did

We understand the importance of safe crossing points for all pedestrians. While the existing central islands are being removed, the new pedestrian crossings will be equipped with advanced signal technology that detects pedestrian movement in real time. These smart signals include built-in safety features that ensure slower or more vulnerable users have sufficient time to cross safely. Vehicle signals will remain red for the maximum safe duration when needed, maintaining a high level of pedestrian safety without compromising traffic flow.

You said 

The junction of London Road and Bruton Way looks too tight in the proposal, especially as this is regularly used by lorries, buses and emergency vehicles. Slackening the radius of the turns can be done without compromising the cycle provision and will not encourage speeding as there are too many traffic lights in the area for anyone to pick up any speed…

We did

As part of the design process, we carried out vehicle tracking assessments, including for heavy goods vehicles, buses, and emergency service vehicles. These assessments confirmed that large vehicles will be able to safely navigate the junction at London Road and Bruton Way. The turning radius have been carefully designed to accommodate these movements without compromising the safety or continuity of the proposed cycle infrastructure. 

You said 

The junction of London Road and Bruton Way looks too tight in the proposal, especially as this is regularly used by lorries, buses and emergency vehicles. Slackening the radius of the turns can be done without compromising the cycle provision and will not encourage speeding as there are too many traffic lights in the area for anyone to pick up any speed…

We did

As part of the design process, we carried out vehicle tracking assessments, including for heavy goods vehicles, buses, and emergency service vehicles. These assessments confirmed that large vehicles will be able to safely navigate the junction at London Road and Bruton Way. The turning radius have been carefully designed to accommodate these movements without compromising the safety or continuity of the proposed cycle infrastructure. 

You said 

Putting a cycle crossing right in front of the Great Western Road junction, that is ridiculous. Why isn't it alongside the pedestrian crossing a little away from the junction?

We did

The design has been upgraded with a parallel zebra crossing for Great Western Road junction, and a toucan crossing for London Road.

You said 

Putting a cycle crossing right in front of the Great Western Road junction, that is ridiculous. Why isn't it alongside the pedestrian crossing a little away from the junction?

We did

The design has been upgraded with a parallel zebra crossing for Great Western Road junction, and a toucan crossing for London Road.

You said 

Any improvements to the barrier of the very narrow, raised footway under the railway viaduct near the junction with London Road and Black Dog Way would also help (where cyclists are in conflict with pedestrians on the footway), as well as clearing up the scruffy environment at the junction of Northgate Street with Black Dog Way… 

We did

The barrier will be replaced where necessary, however the foundations and utilities under the existing footpath has meant that improvements to the footpath has been difficult to implement. The cycle path here is slightly wider to allow for a buffer zone from the vertical hazard of the retaining wall, pedestrian barriers and high upstand kerbs.

You said 

Any improvements to the barrier of the very narrow, raised footway under the railway viaduct near the junction with London Road and Black Dog Way would also help (where cyclists are in conflict with pedestrians on the footway), as well as clearing up the scruffy environment at the junction of Northgate Street with Black Dog Way… 

We did

The barrier will be replaced where necessary, however the foundations and utilities under the existing footpath has meant that improvements to the footpath has been difficult to implement. The cycle path here is slightly wider to allow for a buffer zone from the vertical hazard of the retaining wall, pedestrian barriers and high upstand kerbs.

You said 

Taking away lanes will increase traffic on an already busy commuter route and give rise to even more issues when ambulances need to get through the traffic - how is traffic meant to get out of the way?  

We Did

Detailed traffic modelling was undertaken to assess the impact of lane reductions on junction performance. The results indicate that the junction is expected to operate within capacity, with similar or improved queuing and delay compared to existing conditions.

In addition, to maintain access for emergency vehicles, the design incorporates splay kerbs with lower upstands along tighter carriageway sections, allowing vehicles to move aside if required to let ambulances and emergency services pass safely.

You said 

Taking away lanes will increase traffic on an already busy commuter route and give rise to even more issues when ambulances need to get through the traffic - how is traffic meant to get out of the way?  

We Did

Detailed traffic modelling was undertaken to assess the impact of lane reductions on junction performance. The results indicate that the junction is expected to operate within capacity, with similar or improved queuing and delay compared to existing conditions.

In addition, to maintain access for emergency vehicles, the design incorporates splay kerbs with lower upstands along tighter carriageway sections, allowing vehicles to move aside if required to let ambulances and emergency services pass safely.

You said 

Possible loss of bus stop outside filling station on London Road . Hugely busy stop as it is taking people out of town. Stop opposite near Pharmacy is less busy-little point in catching No 94 here as you are nearly at terminus..

We did

We recognise the importance of the bus stop outside the filling station on London Road, particularly for passengers travelling out of town. We explored several options to retain the stop in its current location. However, due to the limited road space and the need to maintain safe access to and from the petrol station, it was not feasible to keep the stop there. As an alternative, a new bus stop is proposed on Northgate Street near the bus gate. This location has been selected to maintain convenient access to bus services while ensuring the overall safety and functionality of the road layout.

You said 

Possible loss of bus stop outside filling station on London Road . Hugely busy stop as it is taking people out of town. Stop opposite near Pharmacy is less busy-little point in catching No 94 here as you are nearly at terminus..

We did

We recognise the importance of the bus stop outside the filling station on London Road, particularly for passengers travelling out of town. We explored several options to retain the stop in its current location. However, due to the limited road space and the need to maintain safe access to and from the petrol station, it was not feasible to keep the stop there. As an alternative, a new bus stop is proposed on Northgate Street near the bus gate. This location has been selected to maintain convenient access to bus services while ensuring the overall safety and functionality of the road layout.

You said 

The junction of London Road is heavily used by buses and is congested with cars. The proposed changes will slow traffic effect buses and cause real problems for ambulances... 

We did

The review compared the existing junction operation with the proposed layout, which includes prohibiting the right turn from London Road onto Black Dog Way, reversing the Northgate Street bus gate, and amending the junction geometry to accommodate improved cycling and pedestrian facilities.

Results indicate that the proposed junction is expected to operate within capacity, with similar or improved queuing and delay compared to the existing arrangement.

Key movements, such as from Black Dog Way to Bruton Way, are predicted to see a reduction in average delay in the morning and evening peak.

The prohibition of the right turn from London Road is a key mitigation measure that helps maintain junction capacity, supports smoother traffic flow, and ensures continued priority for buses and emergency vehicles.

You said 

The junction of London Road is heavily used by buses and is congested with cars. The proposed changes will slow traffic effect buses and cause real problems for ambulances... 

We did

The review compared the existing junction operation with the proposed layout, which includes prohibiting the right turn from London Road onto Black Dog Way, reversing the Northgate Street bus gate, and amending the junction geometry to accommodate improved cycling and pedestrian facilities.

Results indicate that the proposed junction is expected to operate within capacity, with similar or improved queuing and delay compared to the existing arrangement.

Key movements, such as from Black Dog Way to Bruton Way, are predicted to see a reduction in average delay in the morning and evening peak.

The prohibition of the right turn from London Road is a key mitigation measure that helps maintain junction capacity, supports smoother traffic flow, and ensures continued priority for buses and emergency vehicles.

You Said

The proposals will increase traffic along narrow Alvin Street.

We did

Once the right-turn ban is implemented, we expect traffic to begin redistributing. Drivers who previously used London Road to travel north toward the A40 are likely to divert via alternative routes such as Estcourt Road. With the manoeuvre no longer permitted, there will be little reason to continue along London Road for those aware of the restriction.

Advance warning signs will be installed ahead of the junction to inform drivers in good time. We anticipate that traffic patterns will take time to settle and will closely monitor the area, particularly around Alvin Street, during the adjustment period.

You Said

The proposals will increase traffic along narrow Alvin Street.

We did

Once the right-turn ban is implemented, we expect traffic to begin redistributing. Drivers who previously used London Road to travel north toward the A40 are likely to divert via alternative routes such as Estcourt Road. With the manoeuvre no longer permitted, there will be little reason to continue along London Road for those aware of the restriction.

Advance warning signs will be installed ahead of the junction to inform drivers in good time. We anticipate that traffic patterns will take time to settle and will closely monitor the area, particularly around Alvin Street, during the adjustment period.