Next step for Queen Charlton Liveable Neighbourhood

RESIDENTS are being asked to share their views on designs for a Liveable Neighbourhood scheme for Queen Charlton and Whitchurch village.

Experimental through-traffic restrictions were introduced in Queen Charlton in November 2022 and were made permanent last year. Drop-down bollards and temporary wooden planters were installed to keep traffic out of the narrow Queen Charlton Lane, which drivers had been using as ‘rat run’ between Keynsham and Whitchurch.

Now Bath & North East Somerset Council is proposing a range of improvements to complement the scheme. These include:

* Narrow the junction of the A37 with Queen Charlton Lane/Woollard Lane to slow approaching vehicles, and install a pedestrian refuge.

* Improve paths on the eastern side of the new A37 crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, linking to the national cycle route and Queen Charlton Lane.

* Maintain the through-traffic restriction on Queen Charlton Lane which was made permanent in January 2024. It allows pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders to pass through, but not motor vehicles.

The council says this is a public engagement, not a formal consultation, on measures for which the council has already secured funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. It runs until February 28.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for highways, said: “While the designs are preliminary, they are based on considerable consultation and design work conducted with communities, including ward councillors, over several years. We are now seeking feedback on the proposals before developing more detailed designs.

“As part of our engagement, residents and businesses in and around the Liveable Neighbourhood will receive letters and leaflets outlining the proposals on a map.”

The Liveable Neighbourhood programme aims to reduce the impacts associated with excessive traffic in residential areas, such as short-cutting, congestion and speeding; and to create environments where it is safer and more attractive to walk, wheel and cycle. Currently, 42 per cent of all journeys in Bath are under 3km and in private vehicles.

The council aims to gather feedback on the preliminary proposals before engaging residents on more detailed designs. It would then, where appropriate, install the measures under Traffic Regulation Orders following a 21-day statutory public consultation.