Proposals that could reduce serious injuries on Maidenhead town centre roads by 75% will be put before residents at a Town Forum meeting later this month.
Residents will be able to give their feedback and hear from experts about the proposals to remove the right-hand turn from Queen Street onto the A308. The proposals were put forward following a full safety analysis which found that incidents which result in serious pedestrian injury are predominately associated with the right-hand turn. The closure of this route onto the A308 could reduce serious injuries by 75% and slight injuries by 25%.
To reduce the potential impact on drivers that closing the Queen Street right-hand turn could have, the exit from The Broadway (Nicholsons) car park has been converted into a two way road meaning 75% of vehicle movements currently turning right from Queen Street will instead be able to access the A308, A4 or M4 via Grenfell Place / Frascati Way, without needing to travel through the town centre. This equates to around 300 vehicles during the rush hour peaks. Drivers still needing to access the A308 from Queen Street will still be able to do so via the Stafferton Way roundabout.
Cllr Andrew Johnson, lead member for infrastructure, transport policy and housing said: “These proposals have very clear safety benefits for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and the new road layout on the exit from the Broadway (Nicholsons) car park will ensure that any impact on drivers is reduced.”
The proposals also include much needed improvements to pedestrian crossings in the area, creating much wider walkways and a simpler, more direct crossing route between the town centre and the train station, as well as a new bus stop just outside the railway station and a 300 space cycle hub. The changes will help the town cope with increasing commuter demand which is expected to increase by 39% to 8,030,000 between 2020 and 2039.
Cllr Johnson added: “We know during rush hour that the current paths and walkways cannot accommodate the large numbers of pedestrians and cyclists. These proposals will ensure that there is enough space for pedestrians and cyclists to access the town centre safely, while not impeding vehicular traffic.
These changes will help improve the overall look and feel of the entrance to the town centre, as well as helping to improve air quality in town centre locations by encouraging more residents to use public transport, cycling or walking routes into town. In addition these changes and future works, will ensure that the town centre road network can meet increasing demand both from commuters catching the train and residents accessing the town centre now and in the future.
Cllr Johnson added: “As well as improving safety in this busy area of town these proposals could also help us improve air quality in the town centre by reducing the traffic burden and encouraging more residents to consider using public or low emission modes of transport.
Residents will be able to give their feedback on these proposals at Maidenhead Town Forum on Monday 17 June 2019 at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber at Maidenhead Town Hall. Questions for the panel can be submitted in advance by emailing
Nabihah.Hassan-Farooq@RBWM.gov.uk . Residents who cannot attend the meeting are also able to provide feedback via an online form until Sunday 14 July.
Cllr Johnson concluded: “It’s vital we hear from residents to gain their views on these very important safety and environmental proposals so we encourage all residents to attend the town forum or complete the online feedback form.”
Once feedback has been gathered it will be discussed along with any final decision at Maidenhead Town Forum on 24 July 2019.
