During the summer, the council responded to the COVID-19 crisis by providing more space for walking and cycling on certain community roads to support social distancing. This included using temporary barriers to widen pavements and provide bike lanes. We have been flexible with our approach and we have been listening to suggestions from local people for improvements to support high streets and help people get around safely both during the pandemic and in the long-term.
The council has now secured further funding to provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists while public transport capacity is reduced. As a result, we are now looking for suggestions on how we can change a number of busy neighbourhood roads and high streets around the city, including Overton Road (the section between Gloucester Road and North Road).
We are aiming to:
- Maximise enjoyment of the areas being considered
- Minimise rat running
- Improve access for all
- Create more liveable neighbourhoods with less traffic congestion and pollution.
The government funding must be used to improve cycling and walking journeys. Changes could include:
- Consistent or timed traffic restrictions to stop motorists cutting through community hubs
- Changes to the road layout or direction
- Wider pavements
- New bike lanes
One possible change that is being considered is closing the road to motorised through-traffic at the Gloucester Road end while maintaining access for parking, residents and deliveries. This would be implemented temporarily initially with the intention of making it permanent if it’s successful. Any permanent change would be subject to further public consultation.
We are now seeking local views on this suggestion and on the street environment as a whole. We aim to ensure that any changes to the street environment benefit the local community and any local businesses.
Below is a survey asking local people to think about Overton Road. What would you change about the street, what is working well and what could be improved in terms of the street environment? We would also like your views on the potential road closure.
We are keen to work with the community to co-design a scheme and there will be further engagement early this year on any detailed proposals.