Completely redesigned plans for the first phase of Kingston’s multi-million pound mini-Holland proposal have been released - and it looks like a victory for cycling campaigners.  

Updated designs released in January came under scrutiny after cycling groups, residents and motorists complained that segregation did not go far enough.

But revised plans released by Kingston Council today show the segregation increased from just 20 per cent to 85 per cent.

Surrey Comet:

Before: The old plans showing just a painted white line were heavily criticised

Nick Davis, of the Kingston Cycling group, said: “The council do appear to be listening to us which is really good.

““We welcome the revised proposals for Portsmouth Road which are a considerable improvement on the original proposals.

"We will be seeking further assurances about the design but, in the round, we support it.


MORE KINGSTON STORIES »


 

“This has some impressive features; fully protected space, floating bus stops, refuges for turning cyclists, possibly crossings which can detect bicycles and a well thought-out link to Surbiton via Palace Road.

“It will be valuable for family and novice riders.”

Letters were sent to 3,100 households in the Portsmouth Road area before the consultation period started and the council received 700 responses to their proposals.

RELATED STORIES

Hundreds more visited exhibitions held in the Guildhall and Harts Boat Yard.

About 60 per cent said they were in favour of the schemes ideals as a whole but many complained that not enough was being done to protect the safety of cyclists.

The plans went to public consultation from January 19 to February 18 and showed around 20 per cent of the road separated for cyclists and the rest made up of painted cycle lanes.

Portsmouth Road was shown with a 2m wide cycle lane running down each side of the road and a 6m lane for two-way traffic with no central line.

The redraft shows a fully segregated two-way cycle lane running from Portsmouth Road’s junction with South Lane south to its junction with Palace Road.

The remaining 700m from Palace Road, south to junction with Brighton Road, show a cycle route segregated using small "armadillo" humps, which designers say will offer additional protection for cyclists from cars in both directions.

Lead member for transport Councillor Richard Hudson said: “There was a clear desire for more segregation between cyclists and motor vehicles and the new plans have increased this segregation from 20 per cent originally, to 85 per cent now.

“We have a vision where cyclists, new and experienced, will feel safe and confident taking trips along Portsmouth Road, whether it be for work, study or pleasure.

"We want to create a route that is fully accessible and attractive to pedestrians and where motor traffic can continue to move freely.”

Despite the changes, project managers insist that the project will not exceed the £1.4 million budget set aside for this phase.

Surrey Comet:

The new scheme features "armadillo" humps along the Seething Wells end of Portsmouth Road

Enabling works that were due to begin next month will now be pushed back to June with full building work likely to start in late summer, after the Ride London race in 2015.

Project manager Inderpal Grewal said he hopes that work will be completely finished before Ride London 2016.

In a letter sent to Portmouth Road residents this morning Mr Grewal said: “The response to the consultation was fantastic, with over 700 people taking the time to feedback their views. If you were one of them, thank you.”

The new proposals can be seen at: www.kingston.gov.uk/cycling