It is our duty to listen to what the public want at Toll Bar roundabout.
Philip Jackson, leader of the council, said when Cabinet meets on Monday (December 23) to make a decision on its future, the views of residents and businesses will be of utmost importance.
At the recent full council meeting, he said: “The proposed replacement of the existing roundabout has previously been considered by former cabinets, full council and relevant scrutiny panels. The road safety issues associated with the junction arising from the high volumes of traffic, pedestrians and cyclists using Toll Bar, particularly during peak hours and without formal crossing facilities, were highlighted.
“Since May, when we took control of the council, the original proposed scheme to remove the existing roundabout and construct a traffic signal-controlled crossroads has been under review following concerns raised by local residents and, indeed, across the whole borough.
“In October, a toucan crossing was installed on the northern arm of the junction. An average of about 23,500 cars use the junction each day, with 700 students crossing each school day. The new crossing was provided to immediately improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, something the previous Labour administration singularly failed to address.
“For the longer term, we have three options before us next week and while I and cabinet colleagues acknowledge and respect council officers’ professional view on a signalised junction being their preferred option, it is also our duty as members to listen and consider the views of residents, businesses and not least, Toll Bar Academy, in considering the merits of those options. While not predetermining my position, I note that option two, upgrading the current roundabout, meets the safety, congestion and capacity requirements and is within the financial envelope.”
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