Outcry For Poole Park Vehicle Access Restriction

Introduction

- Poole Park: Heritage-listed, managed by BCP Council.

- Opened in 1890, originally for horse and carriages.

- Motor vehicle access now allowed, despite not being an adopted highway.

Current Situation

- Park closed to vehicles during morning rush hour (7:30 am – 10 am) to reduce traffic impact.

- Closure has been in place since at least the 1980s.

- Previous consultations showed split opinions on closing or maintaining the road.

Proposal

- Permanently close entrance adjacent to Twemlow Avenue to motor vehicles.

- Aim to prevent park use as a through route between Poole Town Centre and Sandbanks Road/Whitecliff area.

Impact

- Belief that closure would enhance park environment by reducing vehicle movements, noise, and pollution.

- Supports walking and cycling routes outlined in the Local Cycling Walking Improvement Plan (LCWIP).

- Minor impact on surrounding highway network anticipated, as it absorbs diverted traffic.

- Concerns about potential loss of trade for café concessions due to reduced through traffic.

- Closure won't affect access to park areas; car parks and concessions will remain accessible.

Consultation

- Larger response received than anticipated during the consultation period.

- All responses being analyzed to understand feedback from park users.

- Decision-making process expected to take longer due to high response rate.

- Proposal to be discussed at a Cabinet meeting in May, possibly earlier.

- Park entrance and exit to remain closed during review period.

In light of the overwhelming response, it is prudent for the decision on Poole Park access to be debated and considered in an open public meeting. This will allow for further discussion and input from park users before a final decision is made. While there may be a delay in reaching a conclusion, it is important that all voices are heard and taken into consideration. In the meantime, it is reassuring to know that the entrance and exit to the park will remain closed as initially advised, preserving the current state of access until a definitive decision can be reached through thorough evaluation and debate.

Poole Park holds a special place in the history of the area as a heritage listed park within a Conservation area. Originally opened in 1890, the design of the park's road was intended for horse and carriages, showcasing its historic significance. Despite being managed by BCP Council, the park now sees controlled motor vehicle access, even though it is not considered an adopted highway. This has led to some drivers using it as a shortcut to avoid busy junctions nearby, which can impact the tranquility and atmosphere of the park.

In an effort to preserve the peaceful ambiance of Poole Park and reduce congestion during rush hour traffic, BCP Council has implemented a daily closure to vehicles from 7.30 am to 10 am on Mondays through Saturdays. This decision has been in place since at least the 1980s, highlighting a longstanding commitment to maintaining a car-free environment during certain times of day. By restricting access for motor vehicles during these peak hours, visitors can enjoy the beauty and serenity of Poole Park without the noise and disruption that often comes with heavy traffic.

We believe that permanently closing the entrance to the park adjacent to Twemlow Avenue to motor vehicles is essential in order to preserve the environment and ensure the safety of park-goers. Allowing cars to use the park as a through route between Poole Town Centre and Sandbanks Road/Whitecliff area not only disrupts the tranquility of the park but also poses a danger to pedestrians and wildlife. By closing off this entrance, we can create a more peaceful and pedestrian-friendly space where individuals can enjoy nature without worrying about vehicle traffic.

In addition to the safety and environmental benefits, permanently closing off this entrance will also encourage more sustainable modes of transportation, such as walking or cycling. This aligns with efforts to promote eco-friendly practices and reduce carbon emissions in our community. By making it less convenient for motorists to cut through the park, we can help create a better balance between green spaces and urban infrastructure, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in the area.

The proposal to reduce vehicle movements, noise, and air pollution in the park would undoubtedly have a positive impact on the overall environment. By creating a safer and more tranquil park atmosphere, park users would be able to fully enjoy the natural surroundings without the disruptions caused by traffic. Additionally, aligning with the Local Cycling Walking Improvement Plan (LCWIP) highlights the importance of providing safe routes for walking and cycling within the park. This not only encourages sustainable modes of transportation but also promotes a healthier lifestyle for visitors who choose to walk or cycle through the park.

Furthermore, reducing traffic movements through the park would not only benefit park users but also have a minor impact on the surrounding highway network. The redirection of traffic away from the park would create safer pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing their overall experience while navigating through the area. With careful planning and coordination, it is likely that the local highway network could accommodate this change throughout the day, further improving accessibility and safety for those utilizing non-motorized forms of transportation within and around the park. Overall, these proposed changes have the potential to significantly enhance the overall quality of life for both park users and those living in nearby communities.

After carefully reviewing the consultation findings, we will weigh all the feedback and opinions provided by the public before making a final decision on whether or not to proceed with the closure. This process is crucial in ensuring that all viewpoints are taken into consideration and that the best decision is made for all stakeholders involved. Once this decision is reached, it will be communicated to the public promptly so that everyone is aware of the outcome.

Depending on the final decision, either the closure will become permanent or the temporary signage will be removed, and the original opening/closure regime will be reinstated. This flexible approach allows us to adapt to changing circumstances and make adjustments as needed to meet the needs of our community. By keeping lines of communication open and being transparent about our decision-making process, we aim to ensure that everyone affected by this potential change is informed and feels heard throughout this process.