1.
Summary of Findings
1.1
Introduction
This
report has been produced to address the Traffic and Transport
issues for Cookham in the next 5-10 years.
1.2
Scope
The
topics covered are:-
·
Road Safety
·
Parking
(including the Parade)
·
Flooding
(insofar as it affects roads and access)
·
Cycling
·
Public
Transport
·
The
Pound
Full
reports are attached.
A
review of schools parking and related congestion will be
undertaken in September.
1.3
Key Assumptions
The
Group has not adopted a specific target for traffic growth but it
is assumed that traffic volumes will not grow substantially. The
Parish Council, however, felt that there would be an increase in
through traffic as a result of extra homes planned for Maidenhead.
It
is widely accepted that there should be a switch from private to
public transport. It is also widely accepted that climate change
is likely to increase the likelihood of flooding.
1.5.1
Road Safety
The
purchase of an electronic Speed Indicator Detector for use in
Cookham, which could be moved around the area speed “hot
spots” – Sutton Road, Whyteladyes Lane, Dean Lane and
Maidenhead Road etc.
1.5.2
Parking
Optimise
current parking (additional capacity is potentially available in
Cookham Village and Cookham Rise).
Set
up groups to organise funding for and implement refurbishment of
the Cookham Moor and Parade car parks.
Investigate
ways of reducing long term parking on Lower Road.
Establish
the legal position with regard to the Station car park, in order
to understand whether car park charges could be introduced.
1.5.3
Flooding
Ensure
that in the event of flooding the Causeway can be used by light
vehicles for emergency access to Cookham Village.
This requires maintaining the Fleet Bridge, carrying out
any remedial work, having contingency plans in place to manage
traffic flows and keeping the channel clear so that water can
flow under the bridge.
1.5.4
Cycling
The
Group examined whether it would be possible to extend the cycle
way from Lightlands Lane to the Bourne End railway bridge.
There are problems with all the potential routes and there
are no plans for a cycle track from Bourne End.
The Group concluded that it is not feasible to extend the
route until the current problems can be overcome.
The
Group recommends providing cyclists with lock-up facilities in
the Parade/Cookham station area and improving the access point
to the Cookham-Maidenhead cycle path.
1.5.5
Public Transport
The
Group recognises that the Parish has a limited role in developing
public transport. However,
it can lobby on behalf of Cookham.
There
needs to be encouragement to switch to public transport.
This could be achieved by publicising routes and fares.
In the future, the bus and train companies need to work
together to provide complementary services rather than competing
with each other. The
existing public transport provision in Cookham Rise and Cookham
Village is not adequate to achieve the switch and is virtually
non-existent in Cookham Dean.
The
Parish Council should liaise with the Marlow-Maidenhead
Passengers’ Association about public transport.
1.5.6
The Pound
A
traffic survey was carried out which showed that traffic volumes
in The Pound are high and that the current humps are successful in
limiting traffic speeds.
After
reviewing several options, the Group recommends that a
feasibility study be carried out on widening the pavement at its
narrowest points, allowing easier passage for pedestrians
without narrowing the road itself.
This is the best compromise.
The Group also recommends that the slope up to the
pedestrian crossing (known as the attack angle) is restored and
the installation of a fourth hump to further restrict traffic
speeds (the fourth hump proposal is not recommended by some
members of the Group).
The
Parish Council concurs with the recommendation concerning
widening the footpath. However, the Parish Council is assured by
RBWM that the pedestrian crossing is a legal and legitimate
piece of street “hardware”. The Parish Council does not
consider that a fourth hump is required.
1.6
Implementation
The
Group recommends that a permanent Traffic and Transport Group be
set up to implement the recommendations and to monitor traffic
in Cookham. This
Group could either have a Parish Councillor at its head or could
report to a nominated Parish Councillor.
This
Group could:-
·
Progress the detailed
recommendations contained in this report.
·
Work
with other organisations to improve aspects of Traffic and
Transport.
·
Assist
in practical ways with improving car parks.