Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Survey Update

Following feedback from residents, we have paused the Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming survey while we make some improvements.

We are revising the Explainer document, which will describe each of the five proposed schemes, to ensure the information is as clear and easy to understand as possible before inviting residents to share their views.

We expect to relaunch the survey in late August. The survey link and the updated Explainer will be published on our website and social media channels when they are available.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the original survey. Your feedback has been invaluable in helping us improve both the information provided and the survey itself.

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Pending providing clearer information the older version is still available below. 

Making Walking in Goring Safer 

At the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Parish, attendee told us that Pedestrian Safety was a major concern and that it was something the Parish Council should address. We’ve looked at a range of issues (including parking that is under review with OCC) and working with OCC we have identified five potential pedestrian safety improvements that address concerns in the centre of the village.

Goring-on-Thames Parish Council is exploring a range of pedestrian enhancements and traffic calming measures to make our village safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone who walks, wheels, or cycles. Working with highway engineering consultants and Oxfordshire County Council, we have identified five potential projects that could make a real difference across the village.

 The five potential safety improvements

 

Project	What it would improve
1. Manor Road / High Street build-out	Shorter crossing distance and slower moving vehicles
2. Improved High Street crossing	Safer crossing point in the centre of the village
3. A Traffic Priority Filter and a Pedestrian Priority Lane on Reading Road	Reduced vehicle speeds in a key village route with better visibility and pedestrian priority
4. A Courtesy Crossing at the Boathouse Arcade (Pierrepont’s)	Improved access for people walking where the Thames Path and Ridgeway cross.
5. Raised Table in upper High Street	Safer crossing for people accessing vital village services e.g. walking from the surgery.

THE FIVE PROJECTS: 

A Build Out at the Manor Road High Street Junction:

The problem:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Pedestrians currently cross a relatively wide section of road, and vehicles can turn into and exit Manor Road at speed.

The proposed change:                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Extend the existing paved corner outside Rectory Gardens to create a small build-out and additional pedestrian space.

Benefits:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Shorter crossing distance, slower turning speeds,  better visibility between drivers and pedestrians,  space for seating and cycle parking

Improving the Current  Courtesy Crossing on the High Street 

The Problem
The current pedestrian courtesy crossing and traffic-slowing hump, on the High Street is not very visible to motorists who often speed through this section.

The proposed change:                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Paint the top surface red and add cobbles on the sides of the raised table.

Benefits:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Slower traffic through the centre of the village and a safer place for people to cross and access shops on both sides of the High Street.

A Traffic Priority Filter and a Pedestrian Priority Lane on Reading Road

The Problem:
The Farm Lane path has steps down to a dangerous & busy section of the Reading Road where there are often large vehicles as well as cars. At this point there is no safe route for pedestrians. 

The proposed change: 
A single modal filter on Reading Road and a pedestrian priority lane heading towards Tesco.

Benefits:
This would slow traffic and alert drivers to the need to consider other road users on this fast stretch of road as well as giving pedestrians a safer path.
An example is the filter on the A329 as you leave Streatley heading towards Moulsford

A Courtesy Crossing at the Boathouse Arcade 

Problem:
This is a much-used road crossing leading to the Thames Path and the river. Parking outside Pierrepont’s and the dental surgery reduces visibility for pedestrians crossing an often busy stretch of road.

The proposed change: 
A courtesy pedestrian crossing at the Boathouse Arcade linking the dropped kerb by the arcade and the steps on the left bank opposite. We would also hope to reduce the number of unrestricted parking spaces outside the arcade, replacing them with disabled parking and/or road bike parking.

Benefits:
Safer crossing for all, especially as many people struggle with the uneven path towards Thames Road.

 A New Courtesy Crossing on the Upper High Street

The Problem:
Many people struggle crossing the High Street closer to the railway bridge, especially those heading to the surgery or the station. The road can be challenging here for walkers as the pavement runs out towards the Social Club.                                                                                                                                                                   

The proposed change: 
 A raised table and courtesy crossing.

Benefits:
Safer pedestrian access to the medical practice and the station. 

Who would benefit most from the proposed improvements?

• Children walking to school
• Older residents
• All residents using village facilities
• People using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or pushchairs
• Visitors walking between the railway station, High Street and river area