Minutes:
We welcomed the Highways Manager who was in attendance in order to update the Committee on the pinch points in Monnow Street.
We heard the objectives for the pinch point trial had been brought to Committee in May 2015 and were ‘This design will allow highways to accommodate a wider footways at this narrow location which in combination with other proposals for improved pedestrian facilities within the town offers an opportunity to create a safer environment for non-motorists.’
The pinch point trial had begun in October 2015 and there no other commitments at present. Feedback had encouraged to help make an informed decision, along with CCTV footage and discussions with police and local members.
The trial had not been taken to St. John Street as this would have been difficult to construct at the time and would not have had an impact on the trial.
The pinch points were part of wider improvements for the town, which would provide more opportunities for pedestrians to cross the road safely and to create a number of pinch points, but also relied on motorists driving with due care.
There had not been formal consultation but communities had been encouraged to engage. Feedback received to date was more favourable than negative.
The point regarding cyclists was noted but it was considered that cyclists were no worse off than before the trial.
The next stages were to review the trial later this year and the options would be:
1. Terminate the trial and revert back to the original layout.
2. Make the arrangement permanent and upgrade to a better specification.
3. Extend narrowing to the St. John Junction and to continue the trial over a longer period.
It was noted that there was congestion at certain times but there seemed to be significantly less traffic than 9 or 10 months ago. This may be due to traffic being diverted from the centre of the town, and had that been done previously there may not have been a need for a pinch point.
A Member asked what the benefits of a pinch point would be over a traffic light system. It was hoped the pinch point would be more environmentally pleasant.
Following the discussion the Committee agreed to discuss the safety issues at Usk Bridge. A Member expressed that there were issues when turning left into Usk and there was a need for a pedestrian footbridge. It was noted that there would soon be an increase in the number of employees at the County Hall site in Usk therefore increasing traffic on the bridge. The Highways Manager agreed to look into the matter.
The Head of Operations agreed to take issues regarding lighting at Monnow Bridge to the Street Lighting Engineer.
With regards to the A449 slip road we heard that there had been a feasibility study, and costs estimated. Consultants were now working on the design. In addition to the 3rd lane there were also proposals to improve the ramp to the underpass. It was hoped that a scheme would be ready to submit to Welsh Government next year.
The Head of Operations updated the Committee on public toilets. In doing so we heard that the budget had indicated that should Monmouth Town Council not agree to take on Bestium Street toilets, they would close. Discussions were in place to find a way to keep them open and the officer felt optimistic that this could be achieved.