News on Transport Planning

Consultation on Dryden Road reopens after short pause

Following feedback from local Councillors, the Dryden Road and surrounding areas consultation was briefly paused on Wednesday 4 March to allow a review and clarify some of the information presented.

This review confirmed that no changes were needed to the consultation options or materials, and the consultation reopened at 10.30am on Friday 6 March. Councillors recognised the frustration caused by the pause and supported restarting the consultation as quickly as possible.

The review focused on clarifying details around Option 3, which aims to retain two‑way traffic on Dryden Road while providing space for walking and cycling. The January Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) agreed a light segregated cycle facility extending the full length of Dryden Road to Wonford Street as part of reintroducing two-way traffic. The segregation element has had to be removed because following further design work, it became clear that a lightly segregated cycle route (i.e. cyclists separated from traffic using barriers such as planters / bollards rather than full kerbs) could not be delivered within the existing road width without 3rd party land and removal of a retaining wall. This would be prohibitively expensive and is not considered a viable proposal. As a result, Option 3 instead proposes painted advisory cycle lanes, which can be delivered within current highway constraints.

An option for no cycle lane between Bovemoors Lane and Wonford Street is included as sub-options for Options 2 and 3 in the consultation because of the sensitivities around the loss of parking and the need to gauge public opinion.

Options in the consultation are considered deliverable and meet the aims to address local traffic concerns while still offering safe, attractive routes for people walking and cycling. The purpose of the consultation is to gather feedback, highlight any issues, and invite alternative ideas. This feedback will help shape a preferred option, supported by further design work and road safety audits, before any future decisions are made.

We want to reassure residents that this consultation is a genuine opportunity to influence the scheme. No final decisions have been taken, and all feedback including responses submitted before the pause will be fully considered. If this clarification changes your view, you are welcome to submit an updated response.

To ensure everyone has enough time to take part, the consultation closing date has been extended to 11.59pm on Friday 10 April 2026.