Plans for contraflow cycle lane around Custom House Quay in Weymouth abandoned
Plans to improve the area will go before the planning committee today
A deferred public report on improvements to Custom house Quay in Weymouth will be presented to the Western and Southern Area planning committee today.
Most of the proposed improvement scheme is being recommended to be approved by members of the planning committee but the proposed contraflow cycle lane has been removed from the scheme as a result of the findings of the consultation.
The Contraflow cycle lane would have given cyclists the chance to cycle two-way in a one-way street.
The consultation showed that 52% of people who responded to the consultation were opposed to the proposed contraflow cycle lane, 24% were in favour and 24% were unsure.
The report was deferred from the planning committee meeting on 30th September so that more time could be taken to consider comments made via the consultation.
The public realm improvements are expected to cost around £500k and will be paid for mainly from external funding through the Department for Transport.
What are the proposals?
The proposals aim to improve the public space along Custom House Quay, between South parade and St Mary Street, to create a safer space for walking and cycling, enhance the area for outside dining and improve air quality by removing some parking facilities and thereby reducing traffic.
The scheme also provides dedicated loading bays for harbourside businesses, such as the fishing and charter vessels as well as shops, cafes and restaurants on Custom House Quay.
A temporary scheme has been in place since April 2021 and has been largely supported by locals, visitors and businesses.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“In September I decided to take extra time to consider the comments made through our informal survey and the formal consultation about the proposals for Custom House Quay, particularly in relation to the contraflow cycle lane. This is an important scheme and I wanted to make sure we had enough time to thoroughly consider all the options.
“Overall, I support this scheme as I think it will improve the area as intended, but I have asked for the contraflow cycle lane to be removed, as I know people are generally not in favour of it and I understand their reasons.
“If the committee decides to vote in favour of the proposals, minus the contraflow cycle lane, I hope that work can start soon. These positive improvements, coupled with the forthcoming work to enhance the Weymouth Railway Station forecourt will improve the overall visitor experience and will bring benefits to all users of the harbour, businesses and residents.”