People in Bath are being given the opportunity to have a final say on two schemes that aim to improve walking and cycling routes to encourage more active ways of travelling.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet approved the introduction of active travel schemes along the A4 Upper Bristol Road and A36 Beckford Road earlier in the year.
To create segregated cycle lanes along each route, the local authority needs to make changes to parking restrictions.
The proposed changes have been published in Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and will be advertised for a statutory 21-day period to give residents and businesses a final opportunity to support or object to the proposals.
Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel said Councillor Sarah Warren, said: “This is the final consultation stage ahead of the introduction of these eagerly anticipated active travel schemes.
“We’ve listened to people and there was strong support for the Beckford Road scheme, but after receiving feedback we revised the A4 Upper Bristol Road scheme to mitigate the loss of parking spaces by retaining some spaces and places where people can drop off or unload.
“We will fully consider comments received during the 21-day consultation period and then a decision will be made as to whether the schemes should go ahead.
“If agreed, we’ll be able to start work on these schemes which are a key part of our commitment to tackling the climate emergency and encouraging healthy communities.”
The A4 Upper Bristol Road scheme will see new cycle lanes installed that are separate from motor traffic, between Midland Road and Charlotte Street.
Road crossings will also be prioritised for those on foot. The scheme will also see the installation of additional bus shelters and cycle parking.
The A36 Beckford Road scheme proposes a new eastbound cycle lane separated from motor traffic along Beckford Road, with some on-street parking re-provided nearby.
There will also be improvements to road crossings.
Both schemes are being funded by £500,000 from the Government’s Active Travel Fund to enable more people to walk or cycle for local trips.
The council submitted the successful bid to the Department for Transport through the West of England Combined Authority.
Councillor Sarah Warren added: “Active Travel schemes are part of our wider strategy to make it more convenient to walk or cycle for short journeys, helping residents, businesses, and visitors to Bath and North East Somerset to cut their carbon emissions, reduce air pollution and live healthier lives.
“We’ve worked hard to design safe schemes which deliver our aims, but also meet the needs of residents and businesses.”
To respond to the Upper Bristol Road TRO consultation, visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/upper-bristol-road-consultation
To respond to the Beckford Road TRO consultation, visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/beckford-road-consultation
Information about the consultation is available on request in other languages, audio, Braille, large print or other formats. To request another format, email: [email protected] or call 01225 39 40 41.
