Works start on Peascod Street pedestrianisation pilot

Works ahead of the Royal Borough's pilot scheme to pedestrianise the lower end of Peascod Street in Windsor will start on Wednesday 18 January.

The scheme aims to improve the area for everyone - businesses, residents and visitors alike - by creating a better, traffic-free shopping environment.

The works programme will last between eight and 10 weeks and the pilot scheme will be up and running in early spring.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, cabinet member for highways, transport and environment, said the one-year pilot would give everyone a fair opportunity to see how the pedestrianisation works.

He said: "Consultation has shown us that this part of Windsor's excellent shopping offer suffers because of the traffic so the council has decided to introduce the pilot scheme to put pedestrianisation to the test.

"We appreciate this will mean changes to the bus stop which some people are not happy about but the pilot gives us the chance to see how the Charles Street alternative arrangements work and then we can take an informed view about the overall success of the scheme.

"The council will be watching the pilot very closely and in a year's time we will have all the facts on which to take a firm decision."

Contractors Balfour Beatty will move on to the site on Wednesday and the works will feature:
• temporary traffic signals from Wednesday 18 - Friday 20 January (inclusive) on Charles Street
• temporary traffic management from Monday 23 January - two-way traffic will be maintained and the north-bound lane will be unaffected; the south-bound lane will be closed and traffic diverted via the service road
• suspension of the pedestrian crossing but the contractor will be installing temporary signs and facilities to help people cross the road
• suspension of residents' parking bays in the Charles Street service road from Monday 23 January for the duration of the works - alternative free parking will be available in Victoria Street multi-storey car park and residents will also be able to use their permits in adjacent parking zones.

The Peascod Street bus stop will remain in use until works are completed towards the end of March when it will move to Charles Street with equivalent waiting facilities for passengers. Access for loading and unloading at local businesses will be maintained at all times.

Cllr Bicknell said: "We appreciate there will be some unavoidable disruption over the next couple of months but our contractor will be working to keep this to the absolute minimum. The council will also be keeping a close eye to make sure the safety and convenience of residents and businesses are top priority during the works."

Letters are being sent to all local residents, business and shops to alert them to the works and provide contact details for further information and in case they have any concerns.

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