Decision details

11.1

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director-City Futures detailing the consultation response to the Experimental Traffic Order for Division Street, to report the receipt of objections and set out the Council’s response.

11.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee:

Approve that the Experimental Traffic Order be made permanent. Objectors will

then be informed of the decision by the Council’s Traffic Regulations team. The

order will be made permanent by way of a Traffic Regulation Order which makes

the provisions of the Experimental Traffic Order permanent, in accordance with the

procedure set out under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

The prohibition of driving on parts of Division Street creates a safer environment for

cyclists on this section of Division Street. Before driving was prohibited, people

could not cycle safely with a high flow of traffic travelling along the route and a lot of

parked cars. The changes made significantly reduce the number of cars travelling

along Division St creating a safer cycling environment. This should help encourage

more people to cycle along the route and through the city centre.

11.3.2

The prohibition of driving on parts of Division Street creates a safer environment for

pedestrians. There is not enough space for groups of pedestrians to stay on the

pavement on the closed section of Division Street. This becomes a safety issue in

busy periods with pedestrians often having to walk on the road, increasing the risk

of conflict with motor vehicles. The changes allow pedestrians to safely walk through

this section of Division St.

11.3.3

Since the changes were implemented, many street cafes along the closed section of Division St have taken the opportunity to offer outdoor seating. This was initially in response to covid restrictions however many have continued to offer this since

restrictions have been eased. This has allowed them to increase their capacity and

improves the local street scene.

The scheme is also a good strategic fit with the key aims of the third core objective

of the Sheffield Transport Strategy (2019):

• Sustainable safety, safe walking and cycling as standard

• Improved air quality and working to manage congestion

• Improving poor health and poor access to jobs and services

11.3.4

Having considered the response from the public and other consultees it is

recommended that the Division Street ETRO be implemented as, on balance,

benefits of the scheme in terms of safety and sustainability outweigh the concerns

raised. It is also recommended that a re-deployable enforcement camera is installed

to enforce restrictions in the pedestrianised area. It is also recommended that a

review of the changes be undertaken once the Kangaroo Works construction has

completed.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

Considering the objections received, consideration was given to recommending the

removal of the modal filters and allowing motor vehicles to drive along all of Division

St again. However, such a recommendation could result in many of the benefits

outlined in the report such as improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians and

space for outdoor seating being lost.

11.4.2

Consideration was also given to implementing a westbound one-way restriction

through the currently pedestrianised section of Division St, keeping half of the road

pedestrianised or for outdoor seating. However, such a recommendation would

increase the flow of traffic travelling along Division St and reduce safety and

accessibility for cyclists.

11.4.3

Consideration was also given to re-instating the original one-way on Westfield

Terrace to southbound. However, such a recommendation would result in traffic

travelling east on Devonshire St having to make a U-turn when at the junction with

Westfield Terrace. This option could be re-assessed once the Kangaroo Works

construction has finished.

11.4.4

Consideration was also given to fully pedestrianizing the section of Division St

between Rockingham St and Westfield Terrace. However, such a recommendation

would remove access to the private car park on Canning St. This option could be re-assessed once the Kangaroo Works construction has finished.