About the consultation
The Marl Lane active travel consultation ran from 21 June to 13 July 2023.
Consultation materials were available on the Council website, as a paper postal pack, by appointment at Coed Pella offices, with additional accessible options including BSL interpretation.
The consultation was promoted via social media, press releases, the Council website and letters to local stakeholders.
The consultation materials explained the issues which the scheme was designed to address. This included the lack of suitable pedestrian and cycle links between Deganwy and Llandudno Junction and the difficulties for Bryn Pydew and Esgyryn communities to connect to the facilities in surrounding towns and villages, due to the A470 and the lack of a safe crossing.
The consultation gave the communities and other road users the opportunity to consider the proposals and provide feedback on the scheme and how it could be made better.
Consultation responses
- 43 people responded to the consultation
- 35 people said they were mostly in favour of the proposals
- 8 people said they were mostly not in favour of the proposals
Much of the feedback mentioned the issue of crossing the A470:
“This has been long overdue. Crossing the A470 is treacherous and means needlessly having to use our car when busy. This will make a huge, positive difference to everyone in Bryn Pydew and Junction.”
“The incorporation of traffic control systems, like traffic lights, will make it much safer to cross the A470 and access areas like Marl Woods. It will also make it more feasible for parents to walk their children to and from school to the nearby estates, reducing the volume of traffic on and around the A470.”
“I regularly walk across the A470 to get to Marl Woods. This would make it much safer.”
“How wonderful! I currently drive across the A470 to walk my dog in Marl Woods as I don't feel safe crossing on foot. These plans would mean that I could leave the car at home.”
“I'm in favour of crossings for the A470. We live in the Gwel y Mynydd estate and regularly drive the car across the main road to get to Marl Woods as there is no safe place to cross. The crossings would be very beneficial.”
“I welcome any plans to make the area more accessible for pedestrians. I love walking in Marl Woods. I live very close to Marl Woods, but unless I want to drive to get there it doesn’t feel safe to cross the road, especially with my toddler.”
“I like this scheme a lot. I see it as being environmentally good for a start. I also approve of the child and pedestrian friendly aspect of it. The scheme will be very good for the local community.”
“I use this route every day to walk my dog and councils should be engaging in local improvements that encourage people to get out and walk or cycle to promote the health and wellbeing of the community. So I am very much in favour of the proposals for the safety and well being of this local community. Thank you.”
Some respondents were concerned about the impact of pedestrian crossings controlled by traffic lights:
“As both driving and walking user of this road daily I feel traffic lights could be an issue. By adding traffic lights, I feel this has potential to cause major accidents unless the speed limit is changed.”
“The A470 is one of the main routes into and out of Llandudno, traffic due to current road works in Llandudno Junction and this being a diversionary route is horrendous. Any scheme that narrows the road, limits speed from 60mph and also puts pedestrians crossings in on such a main arterial route is ill thought out and will cause many more problems than it solves.”
One resident expressed the view that the plans focussed on the needs of motorists over cyclists and pedestrians:
“Typical car-centric traffic planning, alas. Doing all you can to divert cyclists and pedestrians without impeding traffic flow on the A470. We deserve better in 2023.”
Conclusion
We have considered all the comments received during the consultation. The scheme has not changed substantially from what was presented in the consultation - we believe that the proposals provide the best overall balance for all users of the roads and active travel routes.