The results of a review into an active travel scheme on The Beach and Hill Road in Clevedon

Published On: November 21st, 2023

The outcomes of a comprehensive evaluation on The Beach and Hill Road active travel initiative in Clevedon have been announced.

The report detailing the evaluation findings has been published on the official website of North Somerset Council. Furthermore, these results are being presented to the public at a scheduled gathering taking place this evening at Christchurch, located on Chapel Hill in Clevedon.

Anticipating an attendance of over 300 individuals, tickets were made available online, as well as at Clevedon library and for walk-ins on the night of the event. The independent review was executed by AECOM, experts in transport design and engineering. It has thoroughly examined concerns raised by local residents, businesses, and integrated insights from professional scheme audits.

Pertinent considerations comprised the safety and design aspects of the initiative, accessibility for disabled individuals and nearby inhabitants, as well as public comprehension of the new arrangements. Implications stemming from trade and parking have also factored into this assessment. Notably, this comprehensive review demonstrates support for several components of the venture.

Specifically acknowledged are positive sentiments towards key aspects such as the implementation of a 20mph speed limit zone, introduction of a one-way system along with enhancements brought forth to Hill Road.

The report has also made a number of recommendations including:

Removing parallel parking and replacing it with angled sea-facing parking on The Beach
Removing the two-way cycle path and replacing it with a contraflow cycle path to the eastern side of The Beach
Introducing a coach pick up/drop off point and loading bay and formal pedestrian crossing on The Beach
Making changes to the mini roundabout on The Beach.

Councillor Mike Bell, the Leader of North Somerset Council, expressed the council’s commitment to transparency by sharing the findings of the report with the community and providing them with an opportunity to ask questions. He assured that any decisions regarding next steps will be made in a public manner.

Councillor Hannah Young, North Somerset Council’s executive member responsible for active travel, extended thanks to AECOM for their thorough report and the community for their valuable input. She stated that they are carefully reviewing the recommendations and will promptly present proposals to be considered by the Executive.

The council’s Executive will discuss the review’s recommendations at their meeting on Wednesday 6th December at 2:30 pm. This meeting, held at Weston-super-Mare Town Hall, is open to members of the public. The complete review report and a concise summary can be accessed at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/clevedonreview.

The agenda and associated reports for the Executive meeting will be made available on the council’s website one week prior to the meeting.