Agenda item

Report ES16021

The report recommended the installation of a mini roundabout at the junction of Copers Cope Road with Bridge Road, Beckenham, BR3.  This was part of a traffic calming scheme on Copers Cope Road which had been the subject of reported speeding over a period of time and subsequent collisions.  The junction with Bridge Road itself had witnessed one fatality and several minor accidents in recent years.  In addition a pedestrian refuge at the junction with Park Road was recommended to aid pedestrians crossing Copers Cope Road in order to access New Beckenham station and the schools beyond.

Councillor Tickner, in his capacity of Ward Member, addressed the Committee explaining that Ward Members welcomed the plans that were being presented.  The Committee were reminded that there was a great deal of traffic congestion in the area and the junction in question was very difficult.  The road closure that had been implemented had been very successful and this had enabled the proposed construction of a mini roundabout.  In respect of Recommendation 2.2 Ward Members requested that the recommendation be amended to “…approval is sought to install a 3-arm mini roundabout at the junction of Bridge Road and Copers Cope Road as shown in drawing no. 11735-106 with the addition of at least 1 pedestrian refuge at the junction of Copers Cope Road”.  In respect of Recommendation 2.3, Ward Members believed that the pedestrian refuge should be to the north of the junction (rather than the south).  Residents had reported that there was higher footfall to the north of the junction as a result of commuters walking from the station and crossing at the north of the junction and this had been confirmed by the investigations carried out by Ward Members.

The Head of Traffic and Road Safety reported that no work had been undertaken surrounding the viability of the Ward Councillors’ first proposal as the initial emphasis had been on the Park Road Junction.  In terms of the pedestrian refuge at the north of the junction, the counts that had been undertaken by Officers had indicated that the majority of pedestrians passed at the south side of Park Road.  There had been further practical reasons why a refuge to the north had not been pursued as it was felt that a refuge in this area could obstruct residents’ driveways.

In response to questions from the Chairman the Head of Traffic and Road Safety confirmed that there had been no accidents in this area of Copers Cope Road involving pedestrians.  The scheme, if implemented, would be subject to a stage 3 Safety Audit and a 6 month and 12 month review with a further review 3 years after implementation.  Signage would be installed to highlight the new road layout and there would be a different colour anti-skid surface on the approaches to the roundabout.

During discussion of the proposals Members of the Committee suggested that the location of the refuge in Copers Cope Road should be considered and investigated prior to implementation of the recommendations in the report in order for the proposals to be cost effective.  It was also suggested that a further recommendation, delegating authority for the approval of minor alterations to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services, be added.

RESOLVED: That the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve:

(a) That the experimental closure of Lawn Road be made permanent in order to facilitate the mini roundabout at the junction of Bridge Road and Copers Cope Road;

(b) The  installation of a 3-arm mini roundabout at the junction of Bridge Road and Copers Cope Road as shown in drawing no. 11735-106 (attached to the report);

(c) The installation of a pedestrian refuge on Copers Cope Road to the south of the junction with Park Road as shown in drawing No: 11735-200 (attached to the report).

(d) The further investigation of proposals for the alteration of the pedestrian refuge on Copers Cope Road.

(e) That authority to make any further minor modifications, which may arise as a result of further investigations, be delegated to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services in consulation with the Portfolio Holder.