ARERA

December 20, 2023December 20, 2023

A new zebra crossing for Arbury Road East?

Arbury Road East Residents Association has, as two of its primary objectives, improving pedestrian and cyclist safety on the eastern end of Arbury Road (between Arbury Court play area and the Milton Road traffic lights).

As one way of achieving this, ARERA’s committee has explored local support for a new pedestrian crossing on Arbury Road East. This could be funded out of the County Council’s Local Highway Improvement Programme. This invites any group that represents the local community to apply for funding. The schemes are community driven and give local people the opportunity to put forward proposals for highway improvements in their area, https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-and-pathways/improving-the-local-highway/local-highway-improvement-funding

A new crossing could improve safety for children walking via Leys Road to local primary and secondary schools, those living in Maio Road, Havenfield, Twickeham and Marfield Courts using Arbury Road shops, as well as all those who live and work on our street.

Results of survey of Arbury Road East residents and businesses

In December 2023, we asked those who live and work on Arbury Road East and its tributaries whether they would support a new zebra crossing situated between Milton Road and the Arbury Court play area, potentially funded by the County Council’s Local Highway Improvement Programme.

Two locations for a new crossing were suggested.

The committee surveyed people by distributing a paper flyer to 156 households, 5 businesses and 1 church, delivered door to door. It asked them to vote online for or against the proposal and to tell us why they voted as they did. Paper survey forms were also delivered to the 62 residential flats in Havenfield.

The survey generated a large response. Here is what those who responded told us.

A large majority support a new crossing but a small minority don’t.

47 people replied using ARERA’s online survey. More than 8 out 10 (39) of them supported the installation of a new zebra crossing. Only 8 of them did not. 9 completed forms were returned by residents of Havenfield. All bar one se supported installation of a new zebra crossing.

About two thirds of those who voted for a crossing prefer Location B.

Given this level of support, the committee is applying to the Local Highway Improvement Programme requesting installation of a new zebra crossing at Location B.

Why did people vote as they did?

The largest number of responses to the survey were received from those who live in the narrowest and most frequently congested part of Arbury Road East – post code CB4 2JB

The second largest number came from those who live in retirement flats in Havenfield – post code CB4 2JY – who could be expected to benefit most from the installation of a new zebra crossing.

People who were in favour of a new crossing were asked why they preferred the location they had chosen. In answering this question, they revealed that they had used just four assessment criteria:

proximity to destinations and/or other crossing points
location in relation to number/range of potential users
increased safety for pedestrians, and
traffic calming potential.

Viewed against these criteria, Location B emerges as front runner.

Table 2. The pros and cons of the two suggested locations
Location A
Pros	Cons
Proximity to destinations: shops, church, vets and schools	Too close to Milton Road traffic lights – so motorists might be tempted not to stop
Closest location to Havenfield retirement housing	Too dangerous
Link to footpath to Kirby Close	Serves least number of residents on Arbury Road
Safe crossing avoiding traffic junction with Milton and Leys Road
Good location to deter speeding to and from Milton Road traffic lights

Location B
Pros	Cons
Closest location to Havenfield retirement housing	Too close to Milton Road traffic lights with controlled pedestrian crossing
Mid-point between Milton Road junction and zebra crossing at Arbury Court play area
Reduces average distance anyone on Arbury Road East has to walk to reach a crossing
Improved safety for school children crossing to go to Chesterton and NCA secondary schools
Act as traffic calming measure to slow down vehicles on long straight stretch
May stop vehicles exceeding 20 mph speed limit
Good location to slow down traffic at dangerous junction with Leys Road and Havenfield	I
Provide alternative to dangerous zebra crossing between North Cambridge Academy and Arbury Court play area
Improved visibility (fewer parked cars) at this point for pedestrians trying to cross

Opposition to a new zebra crossing is not related to where people live on Arbury Road East. Most opposition came from those living in CB4 2JB – the narrowest and so least safe part of the road in terms of pedestrian and cyclist safety. But this is also the post code where most people voted for a new crossing.

Table 1. Opposition to new cross and respondents’ locations
Respondent’s post code	Number of respondents	Number opposed to new zebra crossing
CB4 1FY	1	–
CB4 2JB	16	5
CB4 2JD	11	1
CB4 2JE	10	1
CB4 2JY	13	–
CB4 2GA	1	–

Those who had voted against a new zebra crossing were asked why they had done so. They had used three assessment criteria:

proximity to other crossing points
traffic blocking potential, and
loss of on-street parking

All those who replied to the survey were asked if they had any other comments to make. Their replies reveal that there are very divergent, unreconcilable, views held by those who live on Arbury Road East Road about the nature of the problems, if any, faced by pedestrians and cyclists using it. There are those who think there aren’t any, e,g.:

“I think Arbury Road East is already safe for pedestrians and cyclists.”

and

“Having lived on this road I think pedestrian and cycle safety is very good, with ample zebra crossings, 20mph speed limit, speed bumps and a cycle lane where it is needed near schools, shops and play areas.”

But these are outnumbered by those who think that extensive improvements need to be made. The called-for improvements include:

adding dedicated cycle lanes
making Arbury Road East one-way
banning on-pavement parking
banning on-pavement cycling and e-scooters
banning heavy goods vehicles
installing a speed camera and enforcing the 20mph speed limit
traffic calming to deter speeding
retaining on-street parking (to narrow road and slow down traffic), and
introducing a modal filter to prevent commuter traffic.

Given these demands, the committee of ARERA will continue to press the County Council, its Highways and Transport Committee, and the Greater Cambridge Partnership, along with our local councillors, to take the requested actions required to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Arbury Road East.

To download this article in PDF format Download

October 31, 2023October 31, 2023

Arbury and Kings Hedges Design Code Survey

Members of ARERA are encouraged to participate in this survey which is looking for residents’ views on a design code for our locality. This is intended to provide ideas and recognise the opinions of local people when new developments are proposed which will affect how we live and get about.

Inspired Living – A design code to enhance design in Northern Cambridge neighbourhoods

Phase 2: Articulating the vision and emerging principles of the design code

Our latest survey closes for submissions on Sunday 5 November.

We need your views on five proposed principles as we begin to develop the draft design code.

Make space for nature
Prioritise walking and cycling
Thriving public spaces
Enhance character
Increase sustainability

The principles are explained in full detail on our phase 2 project page, where you can have your say by participating in our latest survey.

June 29, 2023June 29, 2023

ARERA AGM Invitation Reminder

Arbury Road East Residents Association
AGM, Wednesday, 5th July 2023
Arbury Baptist Church Hall, 7.00-8.30 pm

Introduction and Welcome
Approval of the Minutes of the 2022 AGM
Chair’s Report
Treasurer’s Report and accounts
Q&A
Election of Committee and Officers for 2023/4
Proposed expenditure and collection
AOB
Jim Smith’s illustrated local history talk

From Milton Road to Arbury Camp: The History of Hurst Park and Arbury Road

We will try to complete the formal business of the AGM in 30 minutes to allow plenty of time for Jim’s talk and any questions you may have for him.

If you do want to nominate yourself or someone else as a committee member, please use the contact link below.

And, if you have any issue you want to raise under AOB, please do so before the meeting
again using the contact below.

To contact us

June 9, 2023June 29, 2023

Annual General Meeting – Wed, 5th July 2023

Arbury Road East Residents’ Association (ARERA) was set up in December 2019 to represent residents and businesses in Arbury Road (and its cul-de-sacs) between Arbury Play Area and North Cambridge Academy at the western end and the junction with Milton Road.

Its day-to-day business is managed by a small committee. Because of people moving away, there is space on the committee if you want to join us. Please email us if you’d like to or want to nominate someone else at info@arera.org.uk.

We hold a public Annual General Meeting (AGM) once a year to report on ARERA’s activities. Please come and hear what we have been doing on your behalf and let us know what you’d like us to do next.

This year, as an added attraction, our guest speaker will be Jim Smith who specialises in the local history of our area.

From Milton Road to Arbury Camp: The History of Hurst Park and Arbury Road

Jim will present an illustrated talk on the history of our road and its relationship to the development of the surrounding area.

In 1840, Chesterton’s open fields and common land were enclosed and development spread east from Huntingdon Road towards the old Chesterton village.

By 1914, Highworth Avenue and Leys Road were laid out and housing had spread round the corner from Newman’s Cottages in Milton Road towards Leys Road. Beginning in 1927, Cambridge Estates Ltd laid out four new avenues between Milton and Arbury Roads.

The area had a history of horticulture, farming, laundering, milling, coprolite digging, brick making and, from 1934, scientific instrument making. It was home to a nurseryman, a missionary, a grocer, a notable dentist, a bankrupt confectioner, and the couple who gave their name to Cherry’s Corner.

Jim’s talk will bring to life those activities and those characters who link Hurst Park to Arbury Road.

To contact us

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023

Candidates of May 4th: their views on what should happen in West Chesterton and Arbury

To all members of ARERA.

The local elections happen on May 4th.

Camcycle have been asking our local candidates about local cycling
issues.

You can see what each of the candidates to represent West Chesterton on
the City Council have to say at:
https://www.camcycle.org.uk/elections/2023maycamcity/westchesterton/

And, although it isn’t our ward, those standing to represent Arbury on
the City Council also have interesting things to say about our area,
including whether Arbury Road should have a ‘bus gate’,
see Question 2 on
https://www.camcycle.org.uk/elections/2023maycamcity/arbury/

and for the County Council at
https://www.camcycle.org.uk/elections/2023maycountybyelectionarbury/arbury/

If pedestrian and cyclist safety and parking are issues for you, you may
find the candidates’ answers helpful in deciding who to vote for on May
4th.

Ian Cooper
Secretary, ARERA

February 28, 2023February 28, 2023

Consultation meeting announcement

Milestone / GCP monthly consultation on Milton Road Improvements

The next meeting has been confirmed as on Monday 6th March. Again from 11am to 12.30pm at Milton Library meeting room

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Here is a summary of the first meeting, held on Friday 3rd February from 11am to 12.30pm.

Last minute reschedule

Present up to 10 local residents

3 members of Milestone contractors include Jake and Naomi

These sessions were planned for their site at Woodhead Drive but they ended up restricted on office space so last minute changes to Library and on the Friday 3^rd.

Tom Porter (who took over as Project Manager from Paul van de Bulk) from GCP couldn’t make!!!

So lots of questions for Tom next time.

This meeting was advertised as a drop in session but more of a discussion round a table, so worth being there from the start really.

More regular updates of work being done and closures etc were asked for on public noticeboards – they promised to get back on this to help with finding suitable sites.

The issue was raised about the closure of the pedestrian/cycle route through Oak Tree Ave – they will try and improve the signage at the Elizabeth Way pedestrian crossing.

They were also asked if they could have some “live” information about the buses -it seems unlikely this will happen, but the timetable is still “live” on the old Union Lane bus stop – though it was hard to get across the road to read it!

They have been informed that a lot of people want the modal filter on Union Lane to remain. They already knew this!

They were asked about the future for Arbury Road – it will have a similar system as Union Lane when the work is done on the northern side of Milton Road. Official diversion will be via Kings Hedges Road – but there will be nothing to stop locals using Hurst Park Ave rat run, as at present.

Pothole filling still responsibility of highways dept. Even within roadworks like outside library. Milestone say they are reporting them daily too. There has been filling in subsequently but poor standard.

Much discussion about the status of GCP and its undemocratic set up.

Also about who is liable when accidents occur, as there have been, particularly cycling related.

February 27, 2023February 27, 2023

Your experience of the temporary road closure

Results of Union Lane survey

The results show consistently divided opinion about whether specific conditions imposed by the closure have been an improvement or not. Despite this, two thirds of you would like to see the closure made permanent.

Almost all of you (6 out of 7) think that Union Lane has been quieter than usual and more pleasant to live on during the road closure. Nearly two-thirds you of told us that traffic using Union Lane has been going more slowly than usual. Less than a third you said that it hadn’t. Almost all of you suggested that the number of cars and other vehicles using Union Lane has been reduced during the construction work.

Almost all of you reported that the road closure has made it more difficult to access your homes on foot. Three quarters of you didn’t know whether it has made it more difficult for those using mobility scooters, with none one suggesting that it has. Almost all of you (again out of 7) said that the road closure has not made it more difficult access your home by bicycle. Nearly two thirds of you reported that it has made it more difficult to access your home by car. But nearly a third said it hasn’t. More than a third of you said that the road closure hasn’t made it more difficult for delivery vehicles to access your homes. But a third said it has. The rest of you don’t know whether it has or not.

Nearly three quarters of you said that you have found using Union Lane safer during the closure for construction work. Only two of you reported that it was more dangerous. Almost a fifth of you don’t know. Almost two-thirds of you reported that you have found it easier and more pleasant to walk and cycle to Milton and Chesterton Roads. Only a minority reported that it isn’t. You were almost equally divided about whether arrangements put in place for crossing Milton Road have been satisfactory. Just over half of you suggested that they have: slightly less than half that they haven’t.

About three-fifths of you suggested that the modal filter closing Union Lane has had an effect on your regular car journeys, making them longer: just under two-fifths reported that it hasn’t. But over two-thirds of you told us you have been able to find a reasonable alternative route for you regular car journey while just under a third said you haven’t.

Just over half of you reported that you haven’t walked or used a bike more frequently while the modal filter has been in place, with just over a third saying you have. Just over three-fifths of you judged that the modal filter has had a positive effect on parking on Union Lane but a third of you disagree.

If you want to contact us, go to https://arera.org.uk/contact-arera/

February 22, 2023February 22, 2023

Update about timing of Milestone/GCP meetings for local residents to raise issues about the Milton Road improvement works

The GCP and Milestone have changed the date for their Drop-in meetings for local residents.

These will now be held on the first Monday of the month 11-12.30 at Milton Road Library.

These meeting are an an easy opportunity for you to raise any issue you have about the Milton Road improvement works.

At the last meeting, Milestone agreed that they would:

provide some noticeboards to keep people informed about bus stops, road closures etc
improve the signage for pedestrians and cyclists on the Elizabeth Way access to Oak Tree Avenue

While vehicle access from Milton Road is limited by their works, please note that there is a passageway between Union Lane and Oak Tree Ave which joins the latter at the right-angle corner and enables safe pedestrian access to Milton Road via a safe crossing point.

February 8, 2023February 8, 2023

The Greater Cambridge Partnership has just released a set of FAQs about the residents’ parking schemes that it is introducing.

The FAQs appear to be generic.

And so it is likely that the answers given will also apply to us if/when we get included in the Hurst Park Estate residents’ parking scheme.

The questions are worth reading in full.

You can find them at: https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/gcp-york-area-parking/widgets/61706/faqs#question16711

Some are particularly pertinent to us on Arbury Road East – for instance, about on pavement parking and front garden parking if you don’t already have a dropped kerb.

You can see these below, and visit link above for all.

Please let us know if you have any issues, comments or queries that any of this raises for you.

Ian Cooper

Secretary, ARERA

What about parking on the footway alongside the road?

The Council receives a lot of complaints about parked cars blocking footways for pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelchairs. We cannot introduce a parking scheme that allows parking on the footway and forces vulnerable road users to walk in the road. The exception to this is in streets where such an arrangement is already in place and spaces have been formally marked as such.

Will we have to have signs and road markings in the street?

It is essential that drivers are aware of where they can and cannot park. Generally speaking, where parking is permitted, the areas will be marked out as white boxes with upright signs alongside. Where parking is not allowed, yellow lines are used. In some schemes it is not practical to mark out bays on the road. In such areas, there will be zone entry signs and repeater signs but no bay markings. These schemes are known as Permit Parking Areas (PPA).

How will the scheme affect the use of my private driveway?

You do not need a permit to park on your driveway or any other private areas of land.

If you have a constructed access with dropped kerbs, we will not mark a bay across it.

However, if you use your garden to park on and do not have dropped kerbs this is an unauthorised vehicular access, and we may allow parking across your frontage. In this situation, you may wish to consider applying for dropped kerbs. You can obtain more information here: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk and enter Dropped Kerbs in the search bar.

February 1, 2023February 1, 2023

Announcement of Drop-in Sessions with Milestone about Milton Road Improvement Works

Are you interested in questioning/talking to Milestone, the contractors, about the Milton Road Improvement works?

They have just posted this announcement of the launch of their drop-in sessions at Milton Road library, see below.

Commencing public drop-in sessions at Milton Road library

We are pleased to announce the start of our public drop-in sessions. These are scheduled for the first Friday of every month from 11:00-12:30 in meeting room 2 at Milton Road library.

There will be no need to pre-book a time slot, but please be aware you may have to wait if the team are already discussing concerns or questions with another member of the public.

We will review the frequency of these meetings as we continue the project and may amend them if needed.

If you have any concerns during the construction, please do get in touch with Milestone’s project team on MiltonRoad@milestoneinfra.co.uk or telephone the 24 hour contact centre on 0800 023 4762