Published on Friday 31 July 2020
A measure to help create a low traffic neighbourhood and provide a safer and more attractive place for people to walk and cycle will start next month (17 August) at Victoria Park Road, between the junctions with Oates Road and Namu Road.
BCP Council is implementing the trial scheme under an experimental traffic regulation order and residents will have the opportunity to have their say on the changes over the next six months before any decision is made on making the scheme permanent.
Delivered as part of the Council’s wider climate emergency action plan and to support more people cycling and walking, Victoria Park Road forms part of the east-west cycle route from Bearwood to Moordown via West Howe and Ensbury Park. This cycle route also connects to Bournemouth University's Talbot Campus and Glenmoor and Winton Academies.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Transport, BCP Council, said: "With more people taking to cycling and walking during the coronavirus lockdown these measures are being trialled in response to the Government’s emergency active travel fund, and will contribute to the Council’s commitment to our area becoming carbon neutral.
"With a reduced capacity on the bus services due to social distancing requirements, these measures will help children and parents travelling to and from schools in the area by making it easier and safer to travel by bike, scooter or on foot, reducing the need to travel by car."
Specifically, the measures at Victoria Park Road are designed to discourage motorists from using the area as a short cut between Boundary Road and Wimborne Road, close to the Bournemouth Blind Society and St John’s School.
Timber planters and bollards will be installed at the junction to reduce through traffic. Access to properties will be maintained and the scheme will not include pedestrianisation of the street. There will be no loss of parking as a result of the changes.
Councillor Hadley added: "Low traffic neighbourhoods are a simple and effective way to cut traffic flow through an area’s streets without losing access to homes and businesses. Streets can once again become pleasant places for people to stroll around and children to play."
The measures at Victoria Park Road are being introduced as part of an experimental traffic regulation order which allows the Council to put traffic measures in place for a trial period of up to 18 months.
The Council will review the measures after six months and a full report on the findings will be presented to the Council’s cabinet in early 2021. A decision will then be made on whether the changes should be made permanent.
For further information on the Council’s emergency active travel programme and the scheme at Victoria Park Road please visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/victoriaparkroad.