Agenda item

Fann Street - Traffic Increase

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

Minutes:

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment assessing the experimental scheme permitting motorists to ‘U-turn’ on Aldersgate Street/Goswell Road instead of using Fann Street. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points, outlining the reasons for the proposal.

 

Several Members then spoke in objection to the officer’s recommendation, on the grounds that in place of ‘U-turns’ drivers would do 3-point turns on Fann Street, which was more dangerous. This in turn had a negative impact on residents for several reasons. The proposal to reinstate the ban also did not account for cyclists and traffic coming from Carthusian Street. The experiment had not identified any safety issues with drivers making the ‘U-turns’. Members reported that the current arrangement was working well and was supported by residents.

 

The Sub Committee then further discussed the recommendation, as well as the possibility of alternative proposals in case there was a better solution, such as additional signage. Arising from the discussion and recognising that there may not be a perfect solution, Members agreed that that reinstating the ban was not justified at this time, in light of the evidence available and the strong feeling of local residents, with retention of the existing arrangements preferred.

 

The Director of the Built Environment advised that if Members were not minded to agree the officer’s recommendation, they could resolve to make the experimental scheme permanent.

 

The Sub Committee then proceeded to vote on the item, with Members firstly voting against the officer’s recommendation, then voting in favour of making the experimental scheme permanent.

 

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee agree that the experimental scheme permitting motorists to ‘U-turn on Aldersgate Street/Goswell Road instead of using Fann Street be made permanent.

Supporting documents: