St Ives Town Deal - Experimental Traffic Order
Changes to the current road layout on Tregenna Hill in the centre of St Ives are to be trialled as part of an Experimental Traffic Order (ETRO).
The survey is now open for responses.
What are we consulting on?
The current amount of traffic movements on Tregenna Hill result in numerous daily conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, impacting on everyone’s safety and user experience.
The aim of the trial, which will be implemented via an ‘Experimental Traffic Regulation Order’ (ETRO), is to improve general traffic flow resulting in a safer space for all users in and around Library Corner. The changes will also support the broader aims of the Town Deal Transport Strategy and the creation of a Low Traffic Environment in the town centre.
From 17th November only buses, cyclists and emergency services (including lifeboat crews on active duty) will be permitted to drive northbound down Tregenna Hill from The Terrace. All traffic will still be able to drive southbound up Tregenna Hill.
The general removal of northbound traffic down Tregenna Hill will reduce the current delays, impact and congestion created by vehicles having to navigate past each other in a highly constrained space. The changes will also make it easier for buses, lorries and other large vehicles to get around the narrow points and corners along the route.
Although supported by the wider transport strategy measures, this trial alone is unlikely to reduce the overall amount of traffic at Library Corner. However, the imposed restrictions on Tregenna Hill mean that general traffic will only be flowing in one direction, reducing the opportunity for conflict to occur, creating a more controlled environment.
New signs will be installed at key roads and junctions informing drivers of the changes and new restrictions and providing details of alternative routes into and out of St Ives. During at least the first week of the trial, traffic marshals will also be in place at key locations to help support drivers who may be unaware or unsure of the change.
Other measures being introduced as part of this trial include making Albert Road one-way inbound, improving the flow of traffic and reducing traffic congestion and delays, introducing an entry restriction on the western end of Dove Street and a mandatory left turn at Street-an-pol. There will also be no right turn at the bottom of Bedford Road.
The direction of the existing one-way at Park Avenue will also be reversed, allowing inbound traffic only towards Bullans Lane and the Doctors surgery. This will help to keep traffic moving along this route, reducing the numbers of queuing stationary vehicles.
This change is intended to deliver several specific benefits for residents of Park Avenue including:
- Potential reduction in the number of vehicles using Park Avenue
- Reduction or removal of the local buses, a long-standing aspiration of residents
- Create opportunity to consider further restriction of larger vehicles by decreasing the current weight restriction
The change to the traffic flow along Park Avenue will also help to reduce a potential network pressure up over the Burrows to the Stennack, past Trenwith Car Park and Leisure Centre, as a consequence of the proposed trial changes.
By providing a route for local traffic, the reversal will help maintain a balance of vehicles on the road network in this part of the town. This will be closely monitored throughout the trial.
Why an ETRO?
The use of an ETRO means that Cornwall Council as Highways Authority can make modifications throughout the trial period, responding agilely to specific issues or concerns that are observed.
This will provide a greater chance for success, with both community feedback and engineer analysis shaping the ultimate decision making as to whether the trialled changes are made permanent or not.
The ETRO has been developed by Cornwall Council in partnership with St Ives Town Deal Board, with technical expertise provided by Cormac. Engagement with key stakeholders, including St Ives Town Council, transport operators and providers and emergency services, has influenced the development of the new road layout which is now being trialled.
The trial is being funded through the St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy and will remain in place for at least six months but could extend up to 18 months before a final decision is made.
To view details of the scheme & the legal Experimental Traffic Order, please visit our Appyway Platform.
How can I respond to this consultation?
To provide us with feedback about these proposals, please complete the Feedback Form below.
Alternatively, you can email Cormac Infrastructure Design at traffic@cormacltd.co.uk or post a response to Infrastructure Design Group, Cormac Consultancy, Radnor Road, Scorrier, Redruth, TR16 5EH. When emailing or responding by post, please quote the following scheme reference Infra24-159.
All responses received will be given due consideration. Following the closure of the consultation period and subsequent scheme assessment process, we will provide you with an update on both the result of this process and, if applicable, the anticipated timescales for any associated works.
We regret that if you choose not to provide your address or withdraw your personal information before the completion of the scheme assessment process, we will be unable to consider your response in regard to a particular aspect of the scheme. Nonetheless, any points made will still be considered as general comments. If neither a postal address or email address is provided, we will also be unable to keep you updated on the scheme's progress.
