Cabinet To Consider Way Forward For Stag Square
Cabinet will next week consider the outcomes of consultation undertaken earlier this year in relation to proposals to reduce congestion at peak times around the Stag Square junction in Treorchy.
The report to be considered by Cabinet recommends a number of alternative proposals to tackle the problems around this busy junction to the introduction of a shared space scheme originally consulted on.
Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Councillor Andrew Morgan, said: “Delays around the Stag Square junction, especially at peak times, are unfortunately a frequent occurrence which impacts upon businesses and residents in the Upper Rhondda Fawr as a whole and this is why Cabinet took a decision in November to set aside funding with the aim of tackling the issue.
“The proposals consulted on received a mixed response with 50% of those responding formally via the consultation process in favour of implementing them and 50% against.
“The original concept of a shared space design for Stag Square was developed in line with guidance and best practise information available at the time. However, since the consultation was carried out, growing opposition to the principle of shared spaces has lead to a review of central of guidance, which is currently ongoing and, when released, is expected to question some of the previously anticipated benefits of shared space schemes. This, coupled with the mixed feedback via the consultation process, means we will not be looking to progress with the implementation of a shared space scheme for Stag Square.
“Instead Cabinet will next week consider a number of alternative options which have been identified by officers and via the recent consultation process.
“These proposals include introducing loading restrictions in close proximity to signals during peak hours; relocation of bus stops further away from traffic signals; closure of the Chapel Street Junction and introduction of a footway across the junction to allow unrestricted and protected pedestrian movement along the east side of Stag Square and to improve the efficiency of signals at the junction allowing dynamic management of timings in response to queues.
“As residents and visitors to the area will be only too aware one of the major reasons this issue has not been successfully addressed before is because of the complexities of the Stag Square junction and space available to make changes.
“Whilst perhaps less radical than the original shared space concept consulted on, the alternative options to be considered by Cabinet also seek to improve pedestrian access and safety and reduce traffic queues around the junction at peak times.
“Signalling improvements, similar to those now proposed for Stag Square, have already had significant benefits for motorists in and around the centre of Pontypridd.
“The recent consultation undertaken in relation to initial plans for a shared space provided valuable feedback which has helped inform the alternative proposals which Cabinet will consider next week.
“Should Cabinet be in agreement with these alternative proposals they will be developed by officers prior to a further period of consultation with residents.
“My Cabinet and I remain committed to finding a positive resolution to the issues caused by queues and delays around Stag Square to residents, business and visitors to Treorchy and the wider upper Rhondda Fawr generally.
“Improvements to this junction will also be complemented by the recent £1.25M investment in the resurfacing of 9km of the Rhigos Mountain Road and drainage improvements.”
Cabinet will meet on 8 September to discuss the revised proposals for Stag Square.
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