In June and July 2023, we consulted on proposals to improve walking, cycling and public transport improvements to Hills Road, from Purbeck Road to the Lensfield Road junction.
Two different design options aimed to:
- increase walking and cycling levels with better active travel infrastructure;
- improve pedestrian and cycle safety along Hills Road and at the signal-controlled side-road junctions;
- maintain or improve the appearance of our streets;
- maintain or reduce bus journey times along Hills Road wherever practicable, improve waiting areas at bus stops and make it easier to get on and off buses;
- reduce the conflict between local businesses (for example, kerbside parking for servicing and delivery) and the safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists.
On 4 January 2024, our executive board agreed to proceed with the project subject to a further consultation on proposals for the Lensfield Road junction. This consultation is likely to take place in autumn 2024. The board also resolved to:
- Note the response from the recent consultation of the Hills Road Cycling Plus scheme between Gonville Place and Purbeck Road;
- Approve the preferred concept design and Strategic Outline Case for Hills Road, which reflects and builds upon the consultation and stakeholder response; and
- Agree that a further sub-option for the Hills Road/Lensfield Road junction, which came out of the consultation, will be developed, subject to the planned technical work outlined in the report and a further public consultation.
This further consultation is likely to take place in autumn 2024.
Background
A public consultation in summer 2021 looked at 13 cycling and walking routes across the city. Our executive board considered the feedback from the consultation and agreed to prioritise the Hills Road scheme.