Background
The New England area lies 2km
north of the City Centre and consists of predominantly Victorian terraced
houses with fill-in local authority housing built in 1950’s and 60’s. The area is mostly privately owned with a high factor of
elderly residents. Since the
closure of three roads in the area, Chaucer Road is the only main through
route and as a result there have been increased traffic flows.
Scheme Objectives
 | Reclaiming
the streets for people - not traffic
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| Create
a healthier environment through reduced air and noise pollution by
discouraging through traffic.
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| Improve
community safety (particularly for vulnerable road users) by reducing
traffic volumes and speed whilst improving street lighting for safer
thoroughfare.
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| Create
an inspirational environment through physical improvements that will
break down barriers restricting the potential of the local community.
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Impacts
Local residents have instigated
a Doorstep Green Initiative to improve a large green area within the
Scheme. The Doorstep Green play area is being used by children -
perceived to be encouraged by the safer environment created by the
Doorstep Green/Home Zone combination.
There are reduced traffic levels along Chaucer Road so the local
environment is healthier. Through
traffic speeds were considerably in excess of the 30mph local speed limit
but, through the Home Zone Scheme, traffic speeds are more compliant with
local restrictions. Some
residents have said that house values had risen by about 10% immediately
following completion of the Scheme.
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Progress
- March 2005
The scheme planting is now
complete and we are waiting for the spring to arrive with the associated
verdant effect. The local residents steering group have gone quiet so I
assume they are happy with the scheme. TRL are to carry out post scheme
monitoring of traffic speeds and flows later on this year.
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