Relief road and cycleway top Liaison Group’s agenda

Plans for a new cycleway for Iver Heath and a future relief road for the village top the agenda for a new strategy group of local councillors set up following Buckinghamshire County Council’s Traffic and Transport Study last year.

The study, published in the autumn,identified key lorry generating sites, measured traffic flows, congestion locations and heavy good vehicle pinch points in Iver, Iver Heath and Richings Park. It also identified major infrastructure projects that would increase lorry traffic.

The Ivers Members Liaison Group (correct) – made up of county, district and parish councillors – is now working through the study’s recommended solutions.

Chairman Paul Irwin said the group, which meets early in February, aimed to ensure the communities’ interests were promoted when decisions were made about priority improvement schemes.

Top priority for the group is a relief road and the group is currently looking at five possible routes. Members will work on supporting a business case for a relief road, which will not only remove congestion from pinch points, but also clear the way for improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, and those going to and from school.

The group is also looking at how best to spend £500,000 of developer contribution funding for ‘sustainable travel projects’ and after consulting residents is backing their preferred option for a walking and cycle route connecting Iver Heath and Iver village.

Paul said: ‘The progress we’re making is testament to the good working relationship between the councils, which means co-ordinated thinking and a united stand. Having access to local knowledge about residents’ priorities means we can get on with the job in hand quickly and effectively.’

Vice Chairman Nick Naylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development at South Bucks District Council, said: ‘I am pleased with the way the group has come together to focus on Iver’s priorities and reflect local concerns. As a result, we have been able to develop a clear direction forward and identification of what is needed to relieve some of the most pressing transport problems.’

A number of other important local topics are being considered, including a minerals extraction plan, the Western Rail Link to Heathrow airport, proposed Heathrow expansion, and the relocation of the Heathrow Express depot to Langley.

While the group has no statutory powers, it has strong feeds into decision making bodies and gives councils a stronger voice in negotiating with funding bodies.