Issue - meetings

Report to follow.

Public Question

A member of the public asked a question, as set out below.

 

Mr Lucas-Smith raised the following points:

      i.          Expressed safety concerns that the roundabout was not fit for purpose. Cambridge Cycling Campaign can only support roundabouts that are fit for purpose.

    ii.          Suggested a Dutch roundabout design as an alternative to the proposal.

 

The Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate Change said that roundabout plans had been considered through various iterations. A Dutch style design had not been selected as it was being trialled elsewhere by the Department for Transport.

 

The Project Delivery & Environment Manager responded:

       i.          Department for Transport and County Council funding would be lost if work on the roundabout was delayed as funding was time limited.

     ii.          There was scope to undertake further work on the project in future if Department for Transport standards change.

 

Mr Lucas-Smith raised the following supplementary points:

      i.          The latest roundabout design proposal is new, whereas safety issues had existed for some time.

    ii.          A shared use pavement was not a satisfactory option.

 iii.          Suggested it would be difficult to change the roundabout design in future once work had started.

 

Matter for Decision

The aim of the project is to improve the safety of the Perne Road/Radegund Road/Birdwood Road roundabout for cyclists and pedestrians. Following consultation and in response to the issues raised, Cambridgeshire County Council made a bid to the Department for Transport’s Cycle Safety Fund and were awarded £240,000 to expand the scheme to include the provision of an offroad cycle route as well as the works to the roundabout itself.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate

Change

Financial recommendation

Approved the commencement of this scheme, which is already included in the Council’s Capital & Revenue Project Plan. The total cost of the project is estimated at £410,000.

 

Procurement recommendations

Approved the carrying out and completion of the procurement of the works to Radegund Road/Perne Road roundabout subject to:

       i.          The permission of the Director of Resources being sought prior to proceeding if the quotation or tender sum exceeds the estimated contract.

     ii.          The permission from the Executive Councillor being sought before proceeding if the value exceeds the estimated contract by more than 15%.

 

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

Committee did not request this item for pre-scrutiny.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.