Leicestershire County Council’s ruling cabinet will next week discuss preparations for the proposed Hinckley zone four scheme, so that the authority is ready to proceed if funding is obtained.
The county council, via the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, has submitted a bid for £11.9 million from the Government’s single local growth fund. A decision is expected as part of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s autumn statement, later this year.
We’ve made a good start in tackling congestion in the Hinckley area and we now propose to develop the next phase, so that we are ready to act whenever funding becomes available.
Person:Councillor Peter Osborne, cabinet member for transport
The Hinckley Area Project aims to boost the economy by tackling congestion and improving access to jobs and education. Over the last two years, three zones have been completed, covering north west, north east and south Hinckley, plus Burbage, Earl Shilton and Barwell.
Now, the council is proposing a fourth zone, which would include:
- Capacity improvements at the B590 Rugby Road junctions with Hawley Road and Brookside;
- Capacity improvements on the A47, at the junction of the A447 and the approach to the A5 Dodwells roundabout, to support development sites in Hinckley and the sustainable urban extensions at Barwell and Earl Shilton;
- Parking and traffic management improvements;
- Improved signage;
- Further walking and cycling routes and crossings across Hinckley town centre;
- An extended 20mph zone in streets of the main B-road network;
If cabinet approves, there will be consultation in the winter, which will help to inform priorities should funding become available. Proposals for a further, £6 million phase of work will also be developed.
Cabinet will consider the report when it meets at 11am on Friday, 16 September. The meeting will be webcast, live, at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/webcast and a recording available to view from the following day.