Obviously can report in more detail at the meeting but I would summarise my concerns with the Newmarket Road proposals as follows:-
– Main concern is the reallocation of space to alternatives to the private car, floating bus stops etc. In previous consultations, we have heard discussions about re-phasing of traffic lights and getting traffic to flow along Newmarket Road but this has all been quietly dropped. The above will create further congestion and delays for cars and therefore increased pollution.
– If the intention is to get traffic moving (which i suspect it is not) rephasing of traffic lights is a much cheaper and more effective solution. The current proposals will not do this and at much greater cost. I appreciate efforts for me people to walk and cycle but there are already much better routes for those users as an alternative – either along the River via the various meadows and commons and riverside, or along the new Chisholm trail. This have had millions spent on them and therefore i am struggling to see why we are devoting more space at significant cost.
– Dutch roundabout at Barnwell/Newmarket Road (Mcdonalds) roundabout. I am not a fan of the existing one either as a car driver, cyclist or pedestrian/runner, find them quite dangerous and therefore not sure why we are going for that option here again. Similarly the same is proposed at the other end with Elizabeth Avenue/East Road/Newmarket Road.
Obviously happy to take councillors views but i will be raising the above as an individual to the consultation (and other points when I get to take a proper look at the proposals).