South Glos Council Report

Beckspool Road – Traffic Calming

As many residents will be aware, the developers of the former Frenchay Hospital site installed traffic calming features on Beckspool Road, and safety and effectiveness concerns of these build outs were raised by residents and motorists. A public consultation took place for 3 weeks between 4th January 2021 and 25th January 2021, where many respondents were in favour of replacement measures, including lengths of proposed waiting restrictions, traffic calming and installing provisions to protect the eroding common.

The installation of speed tables will help to support the current 20mph zone and pennant kerbing will be added to prevent further erosion of the common. The installation of bollards around crossing points will help improve visibility for both pedestrians and motorists. We are committed to ensuring that drivers proceed cautiously through the village, especially given that the common is so well used locally and also forms a key route to the existing and new primary schools.

We are pleased to report that the replacement measures for traffic calming have moved a step closer. The legal orders have been issued are being advertised in advance of the works taking place. We will keep residents updated as this progresses and hopefully there will be a swift completion of these much needed works.

Bristol Road – Zebra Crossing

The highways team at South Gloucestershire Council have also investigated concerns of local residents in relation to the safety of the zebra crossing on the Bristol Road. As most of you will know, the pedestrian crossing facility is situated near two bus stops north of the junction with Filton Road. It is also near the new development on the old hospital site including the new Frenchay Primary School. We reported concerns that have been raised by local residents regarding safety while crossing at the zebra due to the speed of passing vehicles and some instances of motorists not stopping when pedestrians wish to cross.

The investigation reviewed the crossing itself, the speed of vehicles and historic accident figures at the location. The investigation concluded that overhanging vegetation should be cut back to improve the visibility of the crossing as this was partially obscuring the belisha beacons on the east side of the crossing. The investigating officer has also issued a drawing to the road maintenance team to refresh the existing zebra crossing road markings.

We hope that both measures will help reduce the speed of approaching vehicles and make the crossing safer to use for residents. However, please let us know if there are particular concerns that you are experiencing in this location.

Cllr Ben Burton