Poynton Village Revitalisation Scheme
Status Update - Tuesday 2nd May 2012
The second phase of the Poynton Revitalisation Scheme has just
been completed on site at A523 Fountain Place junction. Phase I
Park Lane was completed last year. The Fountain Place junction has
been totally remodelled following the concept of ‘Shared Space’ and
has resulted in the removal of the traffic signal controlled
junction with the introduction of twin roundels which allow free
flowing traffic movements. The result is that traffic is moving
much more freely than ever before, generating much smaller traffic
queue lengths on each of the four approaches, improved travel
times, slower traffic speeds through the village and much improved
air quality to be enjoyed by all users.
Unfortunately there was no viable alternative diversion route
for north/south travelling traffic on the very busy A523
Stockport-Macclesfield Road during the construction period. The
scheme has impacted upon journey times for the past few months as
temporary traffic signals were required to safely manage through
traffic in such a way as to ensure safety for not just the
construction team but also for drivers and pedestrians alike. No
accidents associated with the scheme were experienced throughout
the Fountain Place Project. The use of temporary traffic signals
also allowed the Council to ensure the junction has functioned
safely and as efficiently as possible for the benefit of all
users.
The design of the revitalised junction ensures that traffic can
only enter in single file through realigned narrow approach lanes
and hence much slower speed than before. This is having the impact
of allowing vehicular traffic to safely manoeuvre through the twin
roundels where previously traffic signals caused extensive red
light delays for all users, especially at peak times. The new
layout design has had the positive effect of increasing driver and
pedestrian inter-action ensuring safe facilities for villagers to
cross the junction. Other benefits include narrower road crossings
and wider footpaths for all pedestrians to enjoy, including the
elderly and disabled, to safely cross the junction. The result is
the village is now a much more attractive and pleasant place to
visit and shop and will encourage more visitors. We expect this
solution to be extremely successful and have a major effect on
economic regeneration for the village.
The shared space concept is now fully introduced incorporating
Phase I Park Lane and Phase II Fountain Place. The scheme has
Department for Transport approval and, as in the case of all
‘Shared Space’ projects, it is envisaged that post monitoring of
the scheme can now be undertaken to review all concerns relating to
both the main Fountain Place junction and also Park Lane retail
area including the Waitrose junction. This monitoring will record
user behaviour and assess whether the scheme is operating as
planned although early indications are very positive.
