Stakeholder concerns

Since October 2022, comments from stakeholders have been considered to help develop a scheme which addresses most stakeholders’ concerns. This has been a lengthy process as there have been a number of meetings and discussions back and forth between ATE and our designers to ensure that whilst we balance the needs of all road users, we also meet the requirements of the funding body to ensure that they are still able to fund the project. We know that not everybody is able to walk wheel or cycle, and many trips are too long to expect others to do this all the time.  We have therefore ensured that our roads continue to cater for all vehicles.

Having identified a scheme that addresses comments from stakeholders, our designers have produced detailed designs and completed costing exercises which have meant a further redesign was required to ensure we remain within the overall budget for the scheme. 

Key changes to the layout consulted on include:

• Widening the carriageway along Woodlands Avenue to 5.5m along the section from Howth Drive to Crockhamwell Road.
• Retaining the existing laybys along the section of Woodlands Avenue which is adjacent to the park.
• Removing additional works from the existing shared path (this is to reduce cost to ensure the scheme remains affordable); it was highlighted by many respondents that this section was working well in its current guise and so, although this does not meet LTN 1/20, it is appropriate to leave it as it is until further funding becomes available in future.
• Shared use under the railway bridge to the Palmer Park entrance has also been amended, with westbound motor vehicles giving way to oncoming traffic under the bridge.

This final scheme addresses the majority of comments of the stakeholders and delivers a scheme that will still provide excellent quality facilities. 

Having consulted three times, Wokingham Borough Council feel that the presented scheme minimises the impact on motor vehicles whilst making conditions for walking, wheeling and cycling much more attractive, which will help these modes become an automatic choice for many people in future.