Issue - meetings

Orpington and Farnborough and Crofton

Report ES16057

To help reduce traffic congestion along Crofton Road, measures were proposed to improve management of the Orpington Station forecourt (a separate study was being undertaken on improvements to Station Road to the east of the bridge, particularly at the Tower Road/Hill View Road junction). The current layout of the forecourt was also considered poor and due to the high cost of service diversionsit was no longer thought appropriate to install a lay-by and other associated enhancements for the bus stop outside of the station (reversing a decision made in November 2014).

Measures now proposed would improve bus stop facilities and relieve congestion along Crofton Road linked to increased car parking at the station. A re-designed forecourt would manage vehicle and pedestrian movements better and more safely (including vehicle movements in and out of the station) and also include high quality, secure cycle parking facilities.

A further refinement of the proposed design, as tabled at the meeting, now includes twelve taxi bays, ten pick-up/drop-off bays and double yellow lines.

The total cost of the scheme was estimated at £120k to be funded mostly from a S106 sum of £81,977 related to the Orpington Tesco development. The 2016/17 BCP programme would fund a further £25k and the 2016/17 LIP budget for Cycling and Walking would fund the remaining £13k. 

In discussion, improved signage at the forecourt was suggested as was parallel parking for all drop-off/pick-up bays although it was highlighted that places could be lost to accommodate the bays. The maintenance of two traffic lanes across the whole forecourt was also suggested as important for reducing congestion - it would allow traffic exiting both ways onto Crofton Road to flow independently.

Moving the exit nearer to the bus stop could cause a visibility problem for exiting drivers should a bus be waiting at the stop and officers would review the design further including a possibility of moving the stop away from the exit. However, the new design would not worsen the current position and the proposed exit arrangement would create better lane discipline for traffic leaving the station.

Concerning pedestrian access to the station, it was confirmed that a zebra crossing across the Station access and egress would not be possible as it could not meet standards. Good enforcement is important on the part of South Eastern to ensure that the pick- up/drop-off bays and double yellow lines are not abused by users of the station, although it was recognised that measures at a number of other stations had proved difficult to enforce; East Croydon station appeared an exception with a large “no stopping here” sign and camera to provide effective enforcement. 

In addition to the new 60 space cycle hub, South Eastern is looking to provide additional facilities around Platforms 7 and 8 at the station. It was also felt that tree planting would improve the ambiance of the forecourt.

In conclusion, it was highlighted that further amendments to the proposed arrangements would be agreed with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31