Ely Market Town Transport Strategy

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1 Ely Market Town Transport Strategy Contents Introduction 1 Aims of the strategy 2 Regional Spatial Strategy and Local Development Framework 2 The Ely Masterplan 2 Background 2 Existing transport provision 3 Transport issues in Ely 6 Links with other policies and programmes 8 Future policy issues 8 The strategy 9 Cycling and Walking 9 Road safety 13 Public Transport 16 Transport Networks 19 Accessibility and Social Exclusion 21 Promoting Measures within the Strategy 21 Implementing the Strategy 21 Future development of the Ely Market Town Transport Strategy 23 Conclusions 23 Introduction This is the second Market Town Transport Strategy (MTTS) for Ely, replacing the 2002 to 2007 strategy. This updated strategy will reflect the changing needs of the City and support the longer-term vision for the city. The revised strategy consists of two main sections: a review of the present transport situation, and an updated programme of integrated transport schemes for Ely. The strategy thus builds on previous successes whilst identifying areas that require investment and improvement. It is focussed on delivering transport improvements within Ely, but has considered improvements in the immediate wider area where this helps to improve travel to Ely. The strategy has been developed in partnership between Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council and the City of Ely Council. Consultation with Ely residents, stakeholders, local interest groups and others travelling in the City has helped shape the programme of transport enhancements to ensure that the schemes contained in the strategy are appropriate for the city and to inform a priority order for their implementation. 1

2 Aims of the strategy This new Ely Market Town Transport Strategy forms part of the Cambridgeshire Local Transport Plan (LTP). The aims of the LTP are therefore taken forward as aims of this strategy. These are: To create a transport system that is accessible to all. To protect and enhance the built and natural environment. To develop integrated transport and to promote public transport, walking, cycling and other sustainable forms of transport. To make travel safer. To maintain and operate efficient transport networks. To provide a transport system that supports the economy and the growing population of the County. The strategy looks at social, environmental and economic issues where these impact on or are impacted by transport issues. It will contribute towards the economic growth and prosperity of the town and its surroundings, and, by improving accessibility to key services, such as health, education and local shops, will help to reduce social exclusion and associated problems. The strategy provides a programme of schemes to be implemented up to 2013 from LTP funding and other funding sources. The programme has been formulated to ensure that the schemes put forward in the strategy are integrated with each other, and with other related policies. This strategy will complement the works already carried out through the first strategy, taking into account the growth pressures that Ely is experiencing. Regional Spatial Strategy and Local Development Framework The current East Cambridgeshire District Local Plan (adopted in 2000) sets out policies and proposals to guide future development in the district, and provides a framework against which planning applications can be assessed. This Local Plan is now being replaced following Government planning legislation (the Planning Act 2004) which, guided by the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) the East of England Plan, requires the District Council to replace the Local Plan with a Local Development Framework (LDF) over the next few years. The new LDF will plan for the period up to This MTTS seeks to support the framework for planning as set out in the RSS, and if appropriate, would be reviewed in line with the LDF. The Ely Masterplan In 2007, East Cambridgeshire District Council commissioned consultants to prepare a Masterplan for Ely, looking at how best to achieve sustainable growth over the next two decades. The Masterplan is intended to supplement the LDF and the planning process. The Masterplan is currently being re-examined but since it will reflect the planning and development policies of the RSS, this Strategy will seek to support the Masterplan. Background The City of Ely sits on the banks of the River Great Ouse in the administrative district of East Cambridgeshire. A number of towns and villages surround Ely, including Witchford, Stuntney, Prickwillow and Little Downham in the immediate vicinity, and 2

3 Soham, Stretham, Littleport and Sutton further afield. The relatively flat topography of the town and surrounding area is ideal for walking and cycling. Ely has a rich cultural heritage, which has been strongly influenced by both its Fenland location and its status as a regional religious centre. This has left a firm imprint on the physical fabric of the City and has facilitated Ely s prosperous tourist trade. The city is also an important shopping centre for the area attracting shoppers from the surrounding villages, particularly on market days. At the time of the 2001 Census, the population of Ely stood at approximately 15,100. Estimates of the population in mid-2005 suggest that Ely s population has grown by some 14% to 17,200. This rapid growth has been accompanied by an increase in households in the City from 6,850 to 8,150 dwellings in the same time period, and this pattern is likely to increase as land is allocated for development under the LDF. In the face of continuing growth, the challenge presented to Ely s transport network is to sustainably support an economically vibrant, multi-functional City while preserving the unique character and heritage that gives Ely its identity. Existing transport provision Road Network Ely is served by two major A roads that link the City to the wider road network. The A10 bypasses Ely running north/south to the west, while the A142 runs east/west along Angel Drove on the southern outskirts. The road network is shown in Map 1. The central retail and tourist area of Ely, focused around the Cathedral, High Street and Market Street is accessed by a number of radial roads that connect outlying areas to the centre. Clockwise from the north these radial routes are: Lynn Road Prickwillow Road Broad Street/Fore Hill Back Hill Cambridge Road/St Mary s Street Witchford Road West Fen Road Downham Road The compact nature of the City, particularly in the central historic areas, acts as a constraint on the width of carriageway on many roads. This limits the scope for providing additional on-road infrastructure, such as dedicated cycle lanes and onstreet parking bays. There is a vehicle weight restriction in the centre of the city, but heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) from the east do use the city s roads for deliveries and to access the A142 towards the Newmarket direction. Car Parking Ely has several long and short stay off-road car parks that are managed by East Cambridgeshire District Council, where parking is currently provided free of charge. These are shown in Map 2. The majority of these car parks are clustered around the City centre and areas to the east. A total of around 1,200 spaces are available in the council-run car parks. In addition to this free parking, there are also 200 paid for spaces at the new Angel Drove car park, designed to accommodate railway station commuter traffic and free up space in the city centre car parks for visitors and shoppers. Ely Southern Link Road One of the main highway proposals for Ely is a southern bypass. At present, the A142 passes under the Ely to Kings Lynn railway line via a low bridge, with HCV traffic having to use a level crossing to the east of the under bridge. 3

4 Map 1 Road network in Ely The A142 through Ely carries a large number of HCVs and this traffic causes severance between the railway station and a local supermarket with the rest of the city, particularly to pedestrians and cyclists. Better intra-regional train services in the East of England and more freight movements has meant that the level crossing is increasingly closed to road traffic, in turn causing rising congestion. A bid to Government for funding this scheme was submitted in 2004 but the scheme was not approved. A further bid in 2006 met Government s requirements, but it was decided that there were other more pressing transport priorities in the East of England. The 4

5 County Council remains committed to and supportive of the principles of the scheme and continues to seek out sources of funding for it. However, such a large scheme is not deliverable through this Strategy and the scheme is unlikely to get funding through the regional funding allocation for the foreseeable future, since it has not been given a high enough priority by the region, in the Regional Spatial Strategy. Rail services Ely is well connected to the national railway network, with services running regularly to a variety of destinations. The station, which is on the Fen Line, is located to the southeast of the City off the A142 Bridge Road. Direct trains operate hourly to London King s Cross (with extra services during the peak, including some to Liverpool Street) and there are 3 per hour to Cambridge. Other frequent direct services are available to King s Lynn, Birmingham, Norwich, Peterborough and Stansted airport, among other destinations. Bus services Bus services connect Ely with a number of the villages in its rural hinterland. There are two services per hour to Cambridge; Newmarket, Chatteris and Littleport have one service per hour, and Cottenham and Little Downham each have several services a day. Only a small number of services currently run commercially and the rest are under contract to Cambridgeshire County Council, and it is clear that there are pressures on subsidies. Several of the contracted services are only available on Thursday, which is market day. There is no bus station in Ely but the main bus stops in Market Street are served by all of the bus routes. Park & Ride As illustrated on Map 2 there are currently two Park and Ride sites which operate services on a Saturday. One is based at the City of Ely Community College and the second from the new car park on Angel Drove. The first has been operating for six years and is a free service and the second since December 2007, with a redeemable charge of Both are financed by East Cambridgeshire District Council and patronage figures show an average of 460 passengers per week using the College site and an average of 63 passengers per week using the service from Angel Drove. Although these are not very large numbers, patronage figures do appear to be gradually rising. Cycling There is a shortage of cycle infrastructure in Ely. There are a number of well-used racks provided on the platform at the railway station and a further ten racks in the station car park, adding to a total of around 100 cycle parking spaces. Elsewhere around the City there is provision for cycle parking including Market Place, Jubilee Gardens and at the Riverside. Use of the racks indicates sufficient demand to merit further provision, particularly in the City centre areas. The National Cycle Network route 11, which will eventually connect Harlow in Essex to King s Lynn via Cambridge and Ely, passes through the City s riverside area. However, the route is unsigned through the City and is supported only by a modest amount of infrastructure. The Jubilee Gardens contain a segregated, signed cycle path and secure cycle parking spaces, although there is currently a problem with the link along Riverside. Walking The physical characteristics of Ely favour walking as a primary mode of travel within the City. Relatively short distances are involved in travelling from any one point in the City to another. The distance travelled across the City from north to south is approximately 2.5 miles and being relatively flat, is well suited to encourage walking. The routes in the centre are well-signed, but signage is scarce as you move further out of the centre and into the surrounding villages. 5

6 At present, the High Street is pedestrianised on Saturdays. The public consultation results for this Strategy revealed almost 70% of respondents (253 out of 364) supported increasing the days on which High Street pedestrianisation takes place. Travel Behaviour At the time of the 2001 Census, in East Cambridgeshire 67% of people travelled to work by car. This is higher than both the East of England (59%) and England as a whole (55%) and reflects the rural nature of the district. The population of Ely in 2006 was estimated at 17, 430 and the number of vehicles per head of resident population entering and leaving Ely in a 12-hour period in 2007 was 2.4 (41,296). In 2007, the County Council s 2007 Traffic Monitoring Report, recorded the following: About 41,300 motor vehicles, 490 bicycles, and 1440 pedestrians entered and exited Ely between 7.00am and 7.00pm each day Overall during an average 12-hour period in Ely, 80% of movements were by cars and taxis, 14% were goods vehicles and just 4% were soft modes 3% walking and 1% cycling. In the town centre, 62% of the journeys recorded were by car, 7% by bus, just 1% by bicycle and 22% on foot. Despite the low figures for cycling in Ely as a whole, experience at the railway station shows that many people in Ely are willing to cycle and therefore there is potential to increase the share of this mode. Though investment has been made under the first strategy, there is still much that can potentially be implemented to improve transport in Ely. This second Strategy aims to build on the work already carried out by continuing to address the transport problems in the town at the present time. Transport issues in Ely There are a number of key transport issues that the Strategy will seek to address by setting out specific schemes and measures for implementation. These issues have been identified through consultation with County, District and City Council Members and officers, surrounding Parish Councils, and key stakeholders including local businesses and the public. The issues identified in the development of this revised Strategy are: Low modal share of cycling and walking despite the compact nature of the city, and its relatively flat topography. Lack of a joined up cycle network. Limited cycle parking in key locations. Lack of easily available bus route and timetable information. Poor bus stop infrastructure, such as a lack of seating, shelters and level boarding access. Problems with heavy commercial vehicles using the roads particularly in the east of the city. Congestion in the south of the city caused by the level crossing. 6

7 Map 2 Long stay and short stay car parks in Ely Source: The Strategy seeks to address these issues where it can. It is important to note that it will not be able to provide a solution to every problem, but it can identify the transport infrastructure the city will need if further major development comes forward. This in turn will allow a robust policy basis for the achievement of transport improvements and funding as part of the planning process for new development under plans associated with the growth agenda and the Local Development Framework. 7

8 Links with other policies and programmes This Strategy is designed to complement other local policies and programmes to ensure a joined up approach to transport-related issues in the area, these include: East Cambridgeshire District Council s new off street car parking arrangements East Cambridgeshire s Local Plan and the future allocation of land under the LDF for housing and other development The County Council s Home to School Transport Strategy The County Council s Freight Management Strategy Community planning through Local Strategic Partnerships Sustainable School Travel Strategy Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Future policy issues Passenger Transport Review Cambridgeshire County Council is currently reviewing Passenger Transport Services across the county to find better ways of meeting passengers needs. This review is now at the stage of developing specific proposals and exploring sources of funding for implementing improvements. There are six improvement themes: A new approach for assessing subsidised bus services Creation of a Community Transport Brokerage Scheme for Cambridgeshire Pilot demand responsive rural transport services in Cambridgeshire A one-stop shop for travel information in Cambridgeshire Collaboration between the County Council and the East of England Ambulance Trust Responsibilities for bus stops. These are largely operational improvements, and in terms of delivery, fall outside of the scope of this Strategy. Further information about the Review can be found on the County Council website: On-street car parking As the Highway Authority, the County Council is responsible for and manages onstreet car parking in all of the Market Towns. The County Council has recently reviewed on-street parking policies for the whole county in the light of the growth agenda and the increasing pressures on the county's road network. The review looked into various aspects of managing parking including: consistency of parking policy with long-term strategic transport needs the balance of residents and commuter parking controls the role of residents parking schemes controlled parking areas the relationship between on and off street parking charges and bus fares disabled parking controls parking in new developments cycle parking car clubs The approved parking policy is available at: 8

9 Civil Parking Enforcement The County Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council are currently considering plans for Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE). CPE involves the Local Authority taking responsibility for enforcing parking controls, rather than the police force. As government requires joined up enforcement arrangements to cover both on and off street parking, the County Council would need to work closely with the District Council to deliver effective management of off street car parks. This Strategy would seek to support such a scheme in East Cambridgeshire. The strategy The following sections outline the programme areas and schemes that form the new Ely Market Town Transport Strategy. The schemes are prioritised and an indicative cost of each scheme (as of 2008) is given. They have become a part of this Strategy because local people councillors, stakeholder groups and the community - have suggested that these schemes would improve the transport provision in Ely, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. Importantly, this Strategy is a flexible and dynamic document, and as such can respond to changes that may be brought about by the plans associated with the growth agenda and the Local Development Framework. Cycling and Walking Increasing the modal share of trips by foot and bicycle are fundamental to the LTP strategy for sustainable travel and therefore represent a significant part of the Market Town Transport Strategies. Not only are these green modes but they are also largely non-income dependent. They also relate to other agendas, such as road safety awareness, reduced congestion and pollution, and can contribute to the reduction of obesity and its associated health problems. In seeking to ensure people feel safe walking and cycling, this Strategy aims to support measures designed to reduce road traffic related incidents, and crime. Although Ely has a relatively low crime rate, pedestrians and cyclists are still perceived to be at greater risk of crime, and even a perceived risk can deter people from choosing these modes. The public consultation revealed that people would feel safer if the street lighting was improved, and to an extent, if there were more Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in place. The number and appropriateness of road crossing points was also highlighted as a barrier to encouraging the use of these modes. Pedestrian Environment Improvements There are a number of schemes that would help to improve the environment for pedestrians that are planned to be implemented through this Strategy. Most of these improvements are relatively minor infrastructure changes, but go a long way to aiding ease of access, particularly for more vulnerable users. The list of improvements for the pedestrian environment is illustrated in Table 1. Table 1 Pedestrian Environment Improvements Priority Description of Work Cost 1 Undertake a survey to identify locations of 5,000 poor accessibility 9

10 Priority Description of Work Cost 1 DDA compliant crossings including dropped 2,500 per site kerbs and tactile paving 1 Removal of barriers at pinchpoints 2,500 per site 2 Improve pedestrian cut through routes Rolling programme 2 Installation of street lighting 2,500 per column 3 Investigate installation of CCTV cameras To be determined 3 Promotional Material - production of a map to publicise walking routes 15,000 CCTV Partnership East Cambridgeshire has a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Partnership covering Ely and Soham, which is hosted by the District Council and includes representatives from the City of Ely Council, Soham Town Council, the Police and the Paradise Sport & Leisure Centre. This Strategy will work with the CCTV Partnership, the Community Safety Partnership and other partners, to investigate the potential to enhance this provision. It is expected that by working with these partners to improve safety, walking and cycling can be further encouraged. Pedestrianisation of the High Street At the time of the first Ely Market Town Transport Strategy, experimental pedestrianisation of the High Street in Ely was in progress. Following this trial period the scheme was made permanent on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm. 70% - or 253 of the 364 respondents to the public consultation for this Strategy showed support for increasing the days on which High Street pedestrianisation takes place. Of those people that showed support for pedestrianisation, the most support was received for pedestrianisation every day (27%), followed by 23% supporting all weekend and market days and market days with 12% support. However, some concerns and opposition to further pedestrianisation of the High Street at this time has been raised by members of the Ely Traders Association and some members of the local Chamber of Commerce. A Working Group will be formed to examine pedestrianisation, as a number of concerns and issues, such as access for delivery vehicles and disabled parking, need to be considered. The Working Group will need to be inclusive and representatives from the villages surrounding Ely will need to be a part of the Group. Cycle Network for Ely This Strategy proposes a number of cycle routes across Ely. The routes will seek to better link the main centres of population with employment, education centres and the city centre and to join up the old and new settlements of Ely. Much-improved signage and lighting will be provided, particularly in dark or enclosed spaces to encourage take-up of this mode of travel. The cycle routes are shown in Map 3 and each route is briefly described in Table 2. There are existing on and off-road cycle routes which are also shown on Map 3. It is important to note that cycling is permissible on all roads, but those shown are generally regarded as the more pleasant routes, used by less confident cyclists. Table 2 lists the routes in a prioritised order. The prioritisation reflects that some routes can be more easily implemented than others, but also tries to show a realistic timetable for implementing those routes, for which a greater level of planning and infrastructure is required. This will ensure the most appropriate and 10

11 beneficial use of available funding. It is encouraging that 72% of respondents to the consultation indicated support for expanding and improving the cycle network. It is hoped that the integrated cycle routes will contribute significantly to mitigating the effects of increased demand on the transport network by car journeys. It is expected that developer-funding contributions could be secured to help deliver parts of the pedestrian and cycle networks, if further development of Ely comes forward through the planning process and East Cambridgeshire s LDF. Table 2 Cycle network and costs Priority Map Ref Location Description of Work Cost 1 1 Lynn Road Off road cycle path linking High Barns 200,000 High Barns area to the schools west of Lynn Road. This is currently under construction 2 2 Western Boundary Construction of a route from the Coveney junction, through the Anglian Water pumping compound to link with existing routes. Consideration of improved linkage to service area adjacent A , High Barns New Barns 2 4 High Barns/Lynn Road 3 5 City centre Rail Station 3 6 Lisle Lane and Prickwillow Road 4 7 St John s Road Tower Road area Creation of a route along High Barns/ New Barns. Speed reduction measures along with cycle route markings Improved crossing arrangements on Lynn Road Investigate and implement further cycle route improvements to those already undertaken On road cycle lane and centre line removal from road Consideration of speed reducing measures and cycle route markings Consideration of speed reducing measures and cycle route markings. Consideration of improving existing walkway to Cambridge Road for cycle use. 100,000 50, ,000 10,000 75,000 50, Central Ely Reallocate road space to cyclists via 30,000 road markings 5 Ely - Stuntney Route improvements to be investigated 10,000 Cycle Network Supporting Infrastructure In addition to the delivery of cycle routes, the Strategy also seeks to implement the necessary infrastructure to complement and promote them. Storage, signage, lighting and publicity of cycle routes are essential to ensure that people are aware of the routes, that they feel safe using them and that their bicycles are secure when left at their destination. 11

12 Map 3 Cycle routes in Ely These measures are listed in Table 3. The lack of cycle racks around the city is considered a barrier to cycle use, and therefore the provision of cycle racks is included in this Strategy. It may also be appropriate to provide high quality and secure cycle racks close to bus stops to encourage the interchange between cycling and public transport. The inclusion of signing in the network will result in better integration 12

13 of the existing cycle paths into the transport network as a whole and help raise awareness of cycling as a safe, viable and practical means of short-distance travel. Additional cycle storage will be sought in the following areas: City centre The Cloisters - near Waitrose supermarket, and/or between Waitrose and Iceland supermarkets. At the front of the Railway Station - survey work has shown that there is spare capacity available on the platform itself. Additional stands between The Paradise Sport & Leisure Centre and the swimming pool, and in or next to the underused motorcycle bay on Newnham Street Waterside and Willow Walk areas Princess of Wales Hospital The Tesco supermarket in Ely was also listed in the consultation as a location for additional cycle racks. Independently of this Strategy, Tesco are looking to install more cycle racks outside their store, as part of a development proposal on the site. This will enable more shoppers to securely leave their bicycles at this location. Table 3 Cycle network supporting infrastructure Priority Scheme Cost 1 Cycle parking survey 5,000 Undertake a survey of fly parking to identify locations for prominent, scattered cycle parking in addition to provision at key locations. 1 Cycle parking Additional cycle parking in key locations throughout the city 35,000 (to be a rolling programme) 2 Route advisory signing Provision of signing along existing and proposed cycle paths to key locations and attractions 3 Promotional Material Production of a map to publicise the cycle routes 35,000 (to be a rolling programme) 15,000 4 Installation of street lighting 2,500/column 5 Investigate installation of CCTV cameras To be determined Road safety The benefits of improved road safety are two fold, firstly in terms of accident reduction, and secondly in encouraging the use of sustainable modes of travel. The County Council identifies accident cluster sites and prioritises them using a ranking system. There are three accident cluster sites within the Strategy area, and one additional site identified as a location for road safety improvements. These four sites are included in this Strategy. The road safety schemes are detailed in Table 4 and the locations are illustrated in Map 4. 13

14 Table 4 Road safety schemes Priority Scheme Cost 1 A10/Downham Road roundabout 25,000 Investigation is needed. Possible measures include chevron and roundabout signing and anti-skid surfacing. 2 Lancaster Way roundabout, Witchford 5,000 Investigation is needed. Road safety measures are likely to consist of improved signing to better reflect the alignment of the road. 3 C315, near White Bridge Farm, Littleport 5,000 Removal of bollards and replacement with cats eyes to better highlight road alignment. 4 A10/West Fen Road junction Investigation is needed. Road safety measures are likely to consist of street lighting, coloured surfacing and signage, to improve awareness and visibility of the junction. 30,000-35,000 Road Safety Education Using relevant accident and casualty data, the County Council s Road Safety Education (RSE) team is responsible for delivering targeted: Educational inputs to all schools and colleges in the district Skills training courses for cyclists, drivers and motorcyclists Support for local employers to help them manage the road safety of their staff, whilst at work Targeted Publicity campaigns. In East Cambridgeshire, campaigns are particularly aimed at young and foreign drivers. This work contributes significantly to the County Council s achievements of all current casualty reduction targets. Partnership working is central to all of the RSE team s service delivery, via its contribution to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Road Safety Partnership (CPRSP). An example of this is the migrant worker population of the county/district, which CPRSP is monitoring as an emerging road safety issue. The Basics leaflet outlined below was delivered by CPRSP in The Basics information booklet is for members of our communities, whose first language is not English. This booklet, which carries key road safety messages in Portuguese, Lithuanian and Polish, was designed and produced by Peterborough City Council, for the CPRSP booklets were distributed in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire during Plans are underway to develop this resource in 2008/09, with new ways of reaching such drivers with these important messages. This Strategy supports all work undertaken by the RSE team to improve road safety for all road users. 14

15 Map 4 Locations of road safety schemes (Note that the scheme on the C315 covers a wider area than just the point marked) Safer Routes to School The County Council s Safer Routes to School (SRTS) team encourage schools to join the SRTS programme, and work with schools in the Ely area to promote road safety, improve awareness of transport issues and encourage sustainable school travel. The 15

16 safety, walking and cycling improvements contained within this Strategy are designed to complement and support schemes such as those undertaken by the SRTS team. The following schools in the Strategy area have taken part or are currently on the SRTS programme: St Mary's Junior School, Ely Spring Meadow Infant School, Ely Millfield Primary School, Littleport Rackham Primary School, Witchford Littleport Community Primary School In addition, the Primary Schools for Mepal and Witcham, and Little Thetford have been accepted to join SRTS, in 2008, and further applications for schools in the future will be encouraged. School Travel Plans Many schools in the Strategy area have adopted school travel plans, which indicates a strong commitment to sustainable school travel. This work will continue during the period of the new strategy and under the terms of the Sustainable School Transport Strategy It is important that we continue to encourage sustainable transport choices for the home to school journey and the County Council s School Travel Advisors and the SRTS Team will be supported through this Strategy. The Sustainable School Transport Strategy is available at: 65A87A3847B4/0/SustainableSchoolTravelStrategyweb.pdf Public Transport Increasing the patronage of buses is a key aim of the Local Transport Plan, as part of a programme to increase sustainable modes of travel. Increased bus patronage also contributes towards reduced congestion and pollution and encourages walking. Public transport service improvements are outside the scope of this Strategy since services are largely the responsibility of the private sector. However, by working with the bus companies to improve infrastructure and so raise the attractiveness of public transport, much can be done to encourage bus companies to improve services. A combination of improvements to information provision and enhanced infrastructure will help to achieve the aims of this Strategy and deliver benefits to bus users. Bus Stop Infrastructure Improving bus stop infrastructure can significantly enhance the attractiveness of bus travel, particularly in terms of physical accessibility and access to information. The quality and provision of bus stop infrastructure varies considerably within the Strategy area. This Strategy proposes to improve the infrastructure at those stops identified to be most in need of enhancement. At some stops this will mean provision of hard standings and timetable information, at others, seating and shelters. The proposed bus stop infrastructure improvements are illustrated in Table 5. In addition, if new stops are added to bus routes as the result of new developments, it would be expected that developers would contribute to the costs of new infrastructure. 16

17 Table 5 Bus Stop Infrastructure Improvements Priority Scheme Cost 1 Rolling programme of improvements to bus stops in Ely and the Strategy area. Some or all of the following measures will be implemented at individual bus stops: Lowered kerbs at bus stops to allow easier access for passengers, along with provision of tactile paving Resurfacing of pavements in the vicinity of bus stops where there is a poor surface Bus boarders (kerbs/footway built out into carriageway at locations where buses have difficulties pulling into the kerb) Waiting facilities seating and shelters (Real Time Passenger Information compatible) Ely does not have a bus station, but the main bus stops are located in Market Street. This is where all bus services stop in the city centre and consultation has shown that there is support for improving these waiting facilities. However, the LTP and this Strategy alone will not be able to fund the large-scale improvements which are needed in this area, such as major streetscape changes and ensuring facilities are Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant. Examples of such enhancements include, high kerbs, tactile paving, shelters with seating, timetable cases, Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) and pavement widening. Given the level of improvements needed, were additional funding to come forward it may be possible to deliver some enhancements in this area, in the later years of this Strategy. This Strategy is fully supportive of improving the streetscape in Market Street for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users and is flexible enough to help deliver improvements, should funding sources become available. Public transport information improvements It was clear from the public consultation that better advertising of bus services and routes would improve and encourage bus patronage. It is therefore a priority of this Strategy to better disseminate information about bus timetables and routings. The Passenger Transport section at the County Council is currently making major improvements to the website so that bus timetable and routing information is accessible and easy to understand. Furthermore, new format bus timetables are distributed to public places, such as libraries, District Council offices, and GP surgeries, in hard copy format when there are timetable changes. During public consultation it also became apparent that timetables in the bus stop cases are sometimes out of date or difficult to read. The Strategy will therefore support the countywide scheme to install new format bus timetables at all stops in Ely and its hinterland, in order to raise awareness of the services available and hence help to increase patronage. As this is part of an existing programme it will not need to be funded through the Market Town Transport Strategy. The public transport information improvements are shown in Table 6. Table 6 Public transport information improvements 5,000 per stop 5,000 per stop 10,000 per stop 5,000 per stop Priority Scheme Cost 1 Bus map and timetable provision Other Provision of bus service information on newly designed website funding 17

18 Priority Scheme Cost sources 2 New format bus timetables Rolling programme. Following timetable changes, hardcopy timetables are provided locally. Other funding sources 3 Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) To increase ease of use and make bus services more predictable. (see Table 7) 125,000 (Service 9,9A,X9 only. Similar cost for Service 12) Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) Cambridgeshire is currently in the process of rolling out a new technology to make bus information easier for passengers. The introduction of the Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) system means that buses are fitted with a tracking device in order for the RTPI system to know exactly where each bus is on its journey. Using satellite technology the system then communicates the bus information to an electronic display at the bus stop, and the display shows when the bus is due to arrive. The installation of RTPI would present good value for money on those routes with high frequency services, and that serve popular destinations such as the city centre, Princess of Wales Hospital, and the railway station. 75% of consultation respondents supported the introduction of RTPI. As an example, Table 7 illustrates the locations and approximate costs of installing RTPI at sites along the routes of bus service numbers 9, 9a and X9. The cost varies according to the dig distance to the nearest power supply and whether it is a hard or soft dig. The actual RTPI equipment costs around 4200 per unit. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list of every bus stop along these bus routes, but gives an indication of the most well-used stops. This Strategy would also seek to implement the rolling out of RTPI to other feasible bus routes, namely bus service number 12 that serves Ely, including the railway station, Stuntney and Soham. The cost of upgrading the buses with the necessary technology will be borne by the County Council s RTPI project, as will the installation of any appropriate Traffic Light Priority equipment. Table 7 Sites for RTPI installation on Bus Route Numbers 9, 9a & X9 Priority Site and Description Cost 1 Ely Hospital - Electrical Supply to be investigated To be determined 1 St Mary s Street/Silver Street LH Flag and column 8,000 1 Lynn Road/Kings Avenue RH Flag and column 7,500 2 Tesco Site: The Dock LH Flag and column 8,500 2 Cambridge Road/Witchford Road RH Flag and column 7,500 2 High Barns/adjacent to Spring Meadow Infant School 8,000 LH Flag and column 3 Outside Ely Chemical Co LH Flag and column 7,500 3 Prick Willow Road/Beech Lane LH Flag 7,500 4 Market Street Shelter A RH Flag, close to lamp post 7,500 4 Market Street Shelter B LH Flag and column 7,500 4 Market Street Shelter C LH Flag and column 8,000 18

19 Priority Site and Description Cost 5 Stretham Village Centre (close to church) LH Flag 7,500 and column 5 Stretham Village Shelter (close to telephone box) LH 7,500 Flag and column 5 The Wyches Little Thetford LH flag and column 7,500 5 Littleport Wellington Street LH Flag and column 8,000 5 Littleport Church Lane RH Flag and column 7,500 Transport Networks Speed management To make travel safer is one of the overarching aims of the LTP and therefore of this Market Town Transport Strategy. Reducing speed of traffic is one way by which travel can be made safer for all road users. There are currently 20 mph zones in operation in Ely and the areas covered are shown in Map 5. Around three quarters of consultation respondents supported the possibility of extending the central zone. Under current Cambridgeshire Highway Authority and Police policy and resource commitments, any 20 mph zones have to be self-enforcing. This means that unless speeds are currently at or near 20mph, they have to be accompanied by the implementation of physical traffic measures in addition to signage notifying drivers of the speed limit. However, the future direction of 20mph limits may change, particularly following a scheme recently employed in Portsmouth, where only prominent signage is used to enforce the city-wide 20mph speed limit on almost all residential streets. Following Portsmouth s example, this Strategy will seek to undertake speed surveys in residential pockets away from main distributor roads, where it is considered appropriate to explore the possibility of implementing additional 20mph zones. When it is available, any robust evidence of reduced speeds and accident data from Portsmouth will also be examined. Map 5 Current 20mph zone in Ely 19

20 Investigations into other speed management measures may also be appropriate in areas where speeding is considered a significant problem. Examples include staggering on-street parking, to make routes more sinuous. Management of Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) Parts of the road network in Ely are subject to a weight restriction but Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) still need to access the city to make deliveries. In 2007, HCVs made up 2% of traffic in the central area of Ely. This suggests that the contribution of freight to overall traffic in the city is small but there are certain roads, such as Broad Street, that are used by HCVs making journeys between locations to the north east and south of Ely. HCV traffic along such roads is undesirable for a city that is trying to promote walking and cycling and protect the built environment, and it is certainly an aspiration that an alternative route should be found so that HCVs can be re-routed away from roads such as Broad Street. It is important that ways of reducing the impact of HCVs on the historic core of Ely are found. It is expected that the new road linking Thistle Corner with King s Avenue, to the north east of Ely should provide some relief from traffic that would otherwise use Prickwillow Road, Lisle Lane and Broad Street, and this Strategy proposes to monitor the effect of this new road, particularly in relation to the changing land uses in Lisle Lane. Furthermore, it may be appropriate through this Strategy to survey whether vehicles are using such roads as through routes, or for delivery purposes. This Strategy would support the proposal to attempt to restrict HCVs (other than those making deliveries) in central Ely, but only if a suitable alternative route is found. Suitable alternative routes may come forward as part of future development proposals, such as a Northern relief road, or a Southern link road. Although the solutions to HCV traffic in central Ely are unlikely to be deliverable through this Strategy, the growth agenda may be able to offer future strategic opportunities and this Strategy would seek to support any such mechanisms. In addition, transport modelling in Ely could be used to test the impact of possible changes to the transport network in and around the city, which may provide assistance in determining future transport infrastructure and traffic flows. Once the modelling work has been completed, the possibility of implementing weight restrictions on roads such as Broad Street will be reviewed. In addition, the planning authorities could aim to ensure that HCVs associated with new developments were subject to specific routing agreements. The County Council s freight management section is involved in preparing HCV route maps designed to allow drivers to access the areas they need, whilst staying on suitable routes. These maps are being formulated for all the market towns and will eventually be available on satellite navigation devices. Where possible, this Strategy will also contribute to a county-wide initiative to improve freight signage. Travel Plans Workplace travel plans are promoted and implemented across Cambridgeshire through the Travel for Work (TfW) Partnership. TfW provides travel solutions for Cambridgeshire employers and developers by helping businesses prepare and implement effective travel initiatives that ease transport and accesss problems associated with existing sites or new business developments. These initiatives can save businesses money and they promote sustainable and healthy travel. The number of employees exposed to travel planning initiatives in Cambridgeshire is nearly 46,000 employees, from nearly 50 employers. Further information is available at: This Strategy seeks to support TfW and the tools it uses to promote and encourage sustainable commuter and business travel. 20

21 Accessibility and Social Exclusion In a rural county such as Cambridgeshire, one important function of buses is to provide an essential service for those who do not have access to a car. Buses also play an important role in reducing congestion in urban areas. Across Cambridgeshire, the County Council subsidises a large number of services that are not commercially viable, but cannot fund every non-commercial route. Owing to rising car ownership and changing occupations, travel patterns and land uses, there is often insufficient demand for bus services to be maintained. However, positively and despite revenue pressures, significant investment in flagship rural routes has resulted in much improved services for many villages such as Witchford and Stuntney. The Market Town Transport Strategy may be able to facilitate improvements to rural accessibility issues in the future if development comes forward and opportunities arise. Along with the regular review of tendered bus services, concessionary fares, and community transport schemes, such as ESDAR (Ely & Soham Dial a Ride) provide opportunities to improve accessibility and reduce social exclusion. In addition, the development of demand responsive transport schemes are supported through the countywide Accessibility Strategy. Cambridgeshire's Accessibility Strategy has been drawn up in partnership with stakeholders from across the county. The strategy provides an outline of the main components of accessibility planning in the county and highlights geographical areas and themes which will be taken forward in Accessibility Action Plans. Strategic and local accessibility assessments have been undertaken which identified the least accessible wards in the county. The Countywide Accessibility Strategy Group then prioritised nine wards to develop Accessibility Action Plans. These action plans are being produced with the District Councils and other key stakeholders. There are nine priority areas altogether and two of these are in East Cambridgeshire Isleham and Fordham Villages. Action plans are being developed for these areas during summer Promoting Measures within the Strategy It is likely that promotional material will be produced and distributed to local residents as the schemes listed in this Strategy are implemented over the forthcoming five years. This is important to ensure that local residents and visitors to the Ely area understand the improvements and their benefits. However, there is always a cost implication for producing such material and the appropriateness of material would need to be considered on a scheme-by-scheme basis. Implementing the Strategy The process of public and stakeholder engagement has informed the development of this Strategy and a priority order for funding and implementing the schemes and measures identified, has been drawn up. The full list of schemes in the overall programme is outlined in Table 8. These schemes are referred to earlier in this Strategy, in greater detail. Once implemented, the programme of measures should address the transport needs of the Ely area. It is anticipated that this programme will be followed in sequence, but there may be times when it is necessary or desirable to implement some schemes before others where funding or other opportunities arise. 21

22 Table 8 Strategy Programme Phase Programme Schemes Cost 1 Road Safety A10/Downham Road roundabout Cycling and Walking Public Transport Cycle route Lynn Road High Barns Commence cycle infrastructure programme Undertake a survey to identify areas of poor pedestrian accessibility Commence pedestrian environment improvements Investigate High St pedestrianisation (Working Group) Commence rolling programme of bus stop improvements. Bus service information on redesigned website New format bus timetables available Total Phase 1 325,000 2 Road Safety Cycling and Walking Public transport Lancaster Way roundabout, Witchford Investigate speed management measures Cycle route Western Boundary Cycle route High Barns New Barns Cycle route High Barns estate/lynn Road crossing Cycle parking provision and other cycle infrastructure Pedestrian environment improvements New format bus timetables available Bus stop improvements Commence programme of installing RTPI Total Phase 2 465,000 3 Road Safety Cycling and Walking Public transport C315, near White Bridge Farm Cycle route city centre rail station Cycle route Lisle Lane and Newnham St/Prickwillow Road Cycle infrastructure Investigate installation of CCTV and improvements to street lighting Pedestrian environment improvements Bus stop improvements Installation of RTPI Total Phase 3 400,000 4 Road Safety A10/West Fen Road junction Cycling and Cycle route St John s Road Tower Road area Walking Cycle infrastructure Improvements to street lighting Public transport Bus stop improvements Installation of RTPI Total Phase 4 190,000 5 Road Safety Cycling and Walking Public transport Transport networks Investigate 20 mph zone extensions* Cycle routes in Central Ely Investigate cycle route between Ely and Stuntney Cycle infrastructure Bus stop improvements Installation of RTPI Investigate restricting non-delivery HCVs in central Ely* Total Phase 5 165,000 Total 1.545M 22