Three years ago, TACC submitted a petition to National Highways (NH) with three asks on their A358 dualling scheme. The three asks, and NH’s response, are as follows:
- A quality cycle track between Ilminster and Taunton. NH are proposing a convoluted and relatively hilly ‘off line’ route which will be shared with traffic. This is way short of what should be provided.
- Safe and attractive crossing to A358/Junction 25 at the M5 – a bridge or a tunnel. NH have actually back tracked on their earlier proposed improvements.
- Confirmation that wherever the road cuts across quiet rural lanes, safe crossings will be provided. NH are proposing two traffic free bridge crossings on the southern section of the route. But one of the most popular crossings at Mattocks Tree Green is proposed to become very hostile for active travel.
Our petition is supported by over 1000 people.
Our comments to NH following the June consultation on the amended scheme
Despite working constructively with the National Highways Project Team throughout the Consultation Process, the cycling provision in the Supplementary Consultation of June 2022 falls well short of the direct and safe quality strategic cycling route the £350m scheme should provide (especially given DfT policy and design guidance ‘Gear Change’).
TACC accepted that the ‘offline’ option proposed by NH potentially had some benefits on some sections, but the proposed offline cycle route meanders both horizontally and vertically compared with the more direct alignment of the A358. Given that NH propose to ban cycling on the A358, this is unfair and creates an in-built bias against active travel and in favour of carbon based transport.
Also, if ringfenced funding and a legal agreement for improvement work on Somerset Highways roads is not in place, we do not believe these will be delivered. These must address safety concerns on the existing Henlade-Thornfalcon dual carriageway section and the A358 at Horton Cross.
However, if agreement cannot be found between National Highways & Somerset County Council on who will fund the offline sections then the only option is to return to the parallel cycle track proposal, which contrary to NH’s assertion, would not sever the local cycling network or the NCN route, as it would be accessible at each of the proposed crossings.
Modest changes by NH do not address main issues
NH has completely ignored the current and projected growth of e-bikes and their potential for longer journeys between settlements with benefits that modal shift brings.
The modest changes made after the Statutory Consultation of November 2021 are welcome and reduce cycling network severance, but do not address many of the issues, including delivering a good quality Ilminster-Taunton strategic cycle route (in particular the offline sections), safety – especially at Mattocks Tree Green junction and at Southfields roundabout – and a comprehensive solution for cyclists crossing M5 Junction 25.
Based on this, we are objecting to the project on the basis of inadequate cycle provision. We are willing to work with NH on the lead up to the Public Examination, to agree a much improved solution. This work needs to address the specific issues we have outlined to them.
We will continue to lobby for a better solution that TACC can support.
Matt Day, Mike Ginger & Jonathan Sladden
TACC representatives