Wickford
Active Travel Essex
Wickford Proposals
Active Travel consultation
Between the 27th May and the 11th July 2021 we undertook a consultation on proposals for new walking and cycling infrastructure in five towns across Essex.
Over 2500 people responded and we thank everyone who took part in the consultation and gave their views.
Following the consultation we analysed a produced a consultation report setting out what you told us.
This, alongside engineering and funding have been taken into account in setting out how the schemes will progress.
Our proposals look to support more walking and cycling in Wickford while reducing and slowing cars in a residential part of the town where increasing active travel could have a significant impact.
Nevendon Road is a busy route through the town but is also the main access serving several local schools in what is a largely residential area. This means it sees a large number of car journeys as well as people walking and cycling.
Our proposals to create a new ‘liveable neighbourhood’, an area where it is easier and safer for you to walk and cycle, while enjoying a more pleasant street and public realm as a result of fewer cars, with various measures used to prevent residential streets being used as shortcuts, car parks and through-roads.
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Nevendon Road
Along Nevendon Road and the surrounding area we propose to introduce a 20mph speed restriction.
Reducing traffic speeds in an area can have a transformational impact and help people choosing to walk and cycle by improving the safety of the roads.
New signs and road markings at each end of the street will support this and give a ‘gateway’ feel.
Travelling along the road, new raised zebra crossings (an area of road painted with broad white stripes, where vehicles must stop if pedestrians wish to cross) will be located near to Browning Drive, Bromfords Drive, Oakhurst Drive, Park Drive and Wick Drive, providing improved crossing points for pedestrians and helping ensure cars maintain a low speed.
An example of a raised zebra crossing can be seen in the image.
Elsewhere along the road, existing traffic islands will be reviewed and upgraded where required.
To support people on bikes, cycle symbols will be added to the road to emphasise the presence of a cycling route.
And, while parking along the road will be retained, waiting restrictions will be introduced near the fire station.
We will also look at the potential for double yellow lines (no waiting at any time) on Laburnum Avenue itself.
School Street zones
There is a clear opportunity to improve the highway environment around schools, especially for children, and the School Streets scheme aims to facilitate improvements to make these areas more accessible and attractive to those arriving on foot or cycle.
Within the Nevendon Road area, Elder Avenue, Grange Avenue, North Crescent, Oakhurst Drive and Bromford’s Drive will all be designated as School Streets (Shown in Orange).
At the entrance to each of these areas, raised tables are being considered. These are sections which bring up the road to the height of the pavement, slowing vehicles and providing easier crossing points for pedestrians.
Other measures are also being considered in these areas with local schools and the surrounding communities.
School Streets can include measures such as:
- new planting and public realm;
- street art;
- park and stride arrangements (having a designated area to park and walking the final part of the journey);
- improvements to existing walking and cycling infrastructure;
- physical highway changes, such as for example raised tables;
- timed parking permits;
- speed restrictions;
- modal filters (restricting vehicles but allowing cyclists);
- short windows when the road is closed to traffic.
Pictured are temporary gates, which are being used in some School Street locations to stop traffic at drop-off and pick-up times.
Introduction of 20mph roads
In the Nevendon Road area there are several proposed 20mph roads. Reducing speed limits on built-up roads can have a significant safety benefit and help encourage more active travel.
The majority of pedestrian and cyclist casualties happen on built-up roads and reducing speeds can greatly reduce the risk of fatalities.
