TOWARDS A HENLEY TRANSPORT STRATEGY
August 2014
Henley in Transition's response to OCC'S LTP4 (Local Transport Plan 4) Consultation
Key Points
1. Broad agreement with the thrust of LTP4 consultation on Goals and Objectives
2. Henley has serious existing problems of traffic congestion and pollution. These will be exacerbated
by planned 400-500 additional houses in the town as well as additional development in surrounding
area.
3. A radical and imaginative approach is needed if Henley is to tackle these problems. Ideas are
presented that could form the basis of a Henley Transport Strategy.
4. We believe that the efficient sustainable solutions that reduce carbon emissions, improve human
health and safety can also support a thriving local economy
5. Existing problems of traffic congestion and air pollution are documented
6. Specific measures to address the air pollution problem are proposed
7. Measures to improve public transport are proposed
8. Improvements to encourage cycling and walking are documented
9. Car parking issues can be addressed by introducing a car sharing scheme, a car club as well as park
and ride / stride / glide
10. A project to develop a Henley Transport Strategy should be open to innovative ideas such as
electric scooters and a shared taxi scheme
11. Extending pedestrianisation and the 1-way system are central ideas in tackling the congestion
and pollution problems. The benefits are outlined and details of a possible pedestrianisation scheme
are attached in appendices
12. The need for further research is recognised and a proposal made for a way forward
Main Paper
A Henley Perspective on LTP4 from Henley in Transition
Henley is not unique in having significant problems of traffic congestion and pollution. However,
because it is still essentially a medieval market town these problems are particularly severe. There
are restrictions on the options available to address these problems. For example, road widening and
bus lanes are not possible without destroying the character of the town and a by-pass could not be
built without doing untold environmental damage.
400-500 houses are already planned for Henley as well as additional housing in surrounding towns
and villages. These developments will exacerbate the existing problems if nothing is done. If the
town is to cope with future growth then we believe that a radical and imaginative solution needs to
be developed. With a creative approach, solving the problems can become an opportunity to create
a more vibrant town. We believe that a unique all-embracing Henley Transport Strategy needs to be
developed and we outline in this paper the elements that we believe would be part of such a
strategy. Many of these resonate with the objectives outlined in the 'Connecting Oxfordshire'
consultation document but applied to Henley's specific situation.
Connecting Oxfordshire
We support the main thrust of the objectives in the 'Connecting Oxfordshire' document particularly,
as Ian Hudspeth says, the need for a modal shift away from car use. However there is a danger that
the needs of car drivers will be prioritised, by investing in motorways and the strategic road network
for example. This could be counter-productive in encouraging more people to use their cars.
We realise that much of the Oxfordshire planning is concerned with the county's strategic needs and
that transport plans for Henley need to be aware of that. However, Henley has a particular set of
problems with unique constraints. It therefore needs its own transport strategy to address those
problems in a sensitive and sustainable way.
Sustainability and Health
We strongly support the objective regarding the need to protect human health and safety at the
same time as reducing carbon emissions.
Business and the Local Economy
We believe that there are economic benefits of an efficient, well-managed transport system. We
also believe that protection of the environment and human health and safety is not incompatible
with a thriving local economy. In fact the measures outlined in this paper are likely to make Henley
more attractive to residents, businesses, commuters and visitors.
Future Housing Growth
We believe that further housing should not be forced on Henley until the current traffic and air
quality problems have been addressed. There are other regions in the country that could benefit
from expansion as well as other parts of the county. Henley has had an Air Quality Management
Area for over 10 years but the pollution levels have only got worse or at best flattened out. And this
is before the current planned expansion of 400-500 homes.
Existing Problems
Air Quality
1. The air pollution problem as measured by emissions of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) have been
recognised since measurements commenced in 1997. An Air Quality Management Area was
introduced by SODC in 2003. The main measure introduced to try and alleviate the problem was the
SCOOT traffic light system which has not made a significant difference to the NOx levels.
2. Henley's narrow streets and the canyon effect that they create mean that the pollution is not
easily dispersed.
3. At current levels health is being affected, particularly for vulnerable people with existing breathing
problems such as asthma. This was recognised in the recent refusal of planning permission for tables
outside a coffee shop in one of the streets worst affected.
4. HGVs transiting through the town make up 3% of the traffic and contribute 19% of the pollution
as measured by NOx emissions. Studies have shown that HGVs transiting through the town can make
up 30% of the HGV traffic, rising to 50% at rush hour.
5. As far as we are aware, none of the buses currently used in Henley or for connecting services
would be considered as low emission.
Traffic Congestion
1. During the morning and evening rush hour there are queues into the town from the North
(Fairmile and Marlow Road), East (Remenham Hill), South (Reading Road) and West (Greys Road).
The Remenham Hill approach to the town is notorious with delays of up to an hour for commuters
and shorter delays likely at other times of day.
2. Traffic also builds up at the traffic lights in the town causing tailbacks and adding to the pollution
problem.
3. There is over-reliance on the car for making short journeys. The Henley in Transition (HIT)
Transport Project last Summer (2013) found that many journeys by car are of 2 miles or less. Over
500 respondents completed an on-line survey and a significant number were prepared to consider
alternatives. Much improved services were shown to be necessary for people to consider using
trains or buses and more would use cycles if the infrastructure was improved and cycling made
safer.
The Solution
We feel that the solution has to be a Henley Transport Strategy that will address the above
problems, allow residents, commuters and visitors to easily access the town centre and other key
sites in the town as well as creating an environment for businesses to grow and flourish. As Ian
Hudspeth said in his 'Connecting Oxfordshire' presentation 'we need a modal shift' in transport use
away from the car. The focus should be on viable alternatives to using a car rather than taking
punitive measures - the carrot rather than the stick!
We believe that a Henley Transport Strategy should contain the following elements:-
Specific measures to address air pollution
Short Term (relatively straightforward to introduce)
 introduce a Weight Limit Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to keep transiting HGVs out
of the town. This measure would target those vehicles that should be using the
Strategic Road Network. Henley Town Council has already passed a motion asking
OCC to investigate this. Evidence has been provided that significant reductions were
achieved in Bath by introducing a Weight Limit TRO and enforcing it using
appropriate technology
 introduce 'countdown' traffic lights in conjunction with a 'stop idling' campaign
 publicise the air quality data to make people aware that there is a problem and to
encourage them to support measures to address it. The Henley Transport Project
survey showed that 75% of respondents were unaware that Henley had a pollution
problem
Long Term
 remove traffic lights as part of extending the 1-way system - see below
 introduce a low emission zone
 encourage low emission vehicles such as electric by providing charging points
Improved town bus services:
 more frequent - 4 buses an hour are probably needed to get a significant number of
people to shift onto the town bus service
 linking strategic sites in the town such as the town centre, station, hospital, TESCOs
and car parks
 including a park and ride service as part of the town bus sevice
 using low emission vehicles, possibly electric minibuses
 allowing town buses access to the shared surface area of a pedestrianisation scheme
Improved bus connections to London, Heathrow, local towns and villages such as Reading,
Maidenhead, Marlow / High Wycombe, Wallingford, Sonning Common etc. A comprehensive survey
is needed to find out about the journeys currently undertaken to and from these destinations so that
improvements can be planned.
Improved train services
 more frequent - at least 2 an hour
 more carriages at key times
 more direct trains to London and Reading
 greater reliability
 a later train back from London in the evening
Cycling
Another finding from the HIT Transport Project was that 70% of respondents owned a cycle but few
(5%) used their cycle to get to work or for getting into the town centre. People wanted to see:
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better infrastructure including cycle lanes. Cycle lanes could be included if a 1-way
system was introduced - see below
safety improved for cyclists
cycle routes identified in and around the town. 4 key cycle routes have been
identified and are likely to be included in the Neighbourhood Plan. Work is needed
to make these viable and safe for pedestrians and cyclists
a cycle hire scheme including electric bikes because of the hills on moving away from
the river valley
a cycle track beside the railway from Shiplake to Henley. Shiplake Parish Council are
in discussions with First Great Western about this. Ideally this would be extended
from Shiplake to Reading and from Henley to Marlow.
Walking
The biggest difference for people walking would be achieved by extending the pedestrianisation
scheme - see below. Otherwise, walkers would be encouraged with better signposting and
promotion of routes, including signs that tell them how long it takes to walk to the destination.
Walking to School
Schools in Henley have tried walking buses and walking days without achieving long term impact.
Innovative ideas such as the 'Beat the Streets' scheme as used in Caversham should be considered.
Under this scheme pupils carry a fob and can swipe it at various locations around the town. Prizes
are then awarded to individuals and schools who walk furthest or achieve given targets.
Cars and Parking
 Introduce a Henley Car Share Scheme to reduce the number of journeys made into
and out of the town. Invesco Perpetual has a successful scheme for its employees
and there is already an Oxfordshire scheme. Use of the scheme to be encouraged
by providing priority spaces in town car parks
 Introduce a Henley Car Club using low emission vehicles to free up parking spaces in
the town. Urban clubs report that each car club car can eventually replace up to 20
individually owned cars. Henley is unlikely to achieve this level of success but a low
replacement level could make a significant difference to parking on residential town
centre streets
Park and Ride / Park and Stride / Park and Glide
It is recognised that Henley is not big enough to warrant a Park and Ride scheme with dedicated
buses. However, park and ride could be included in an improved town bus service.
Ideally, land would be found on the Berkshire side of the river to enable Park and Ride and/or Park
and Stride and/or Park and Glide to be considered for traffic approaching from the East.
Encourage park and stride from the Station and Dry Leas Car Parks by making charges significantly
less than in the main town centre car parks, publicising availability of spaces and cost as well as
using clear signage showing time taken to walk to the town centre.
20mph zone
Make the roads around the centre of the town 20mph for safety reasons
Other ideas
Shared Taxis
Another form of car sharing to reduce the number of car journeys made. Customers indicate their
willingness to share on booking. Proposed changes in legislation could mean that taxis could be
flagged down in towns like Henley.
Electric Scooters
An innovative foldable electric scooter was launched last September. It is very compact and
lightweight (17kg) folding down to the size of a golf bag or wheeled suitcase. This could be a fun
alternative to electric bikes for getting around the town. Promoting innovations such as this could
show the town, and county as positive and forward-thinking.
Pedestrianisation and a 1-way system
We see extending the pedestrianised area and the 1-way system as central to a transport strategy
for Henley. However, this doesn't solve Henley's traffic problems in isolation but needs the above
measures actioned to try to achieve the necessary modal shift away from car use. We have attached
details of a plan involving pedestrianisation of Duke St, Bell Street and the whole of Falaise Square
with a 1-way system as a box around the central area. All traffic lights would be removed and
replaced by a 'merge in turn' system operating at junctions.
This would tackle the problems of traffic congestion and pollution in the following ways:
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pollution dramatically reduced in the pedestrianised areas where the worst
pollution currently occurs
the 1-way system and removal of traffic lights would keep traffic moving avoiding
the long queues that are common with the current system and keeping pollution
down
In addition to the measures outlined earlier in the paper to encourage use of public transport,
cycling and walking, the pedestrianisation and 1-way system proposals support this change in the
following ways:
 shared surfaces in the pedestrianised area with cyclists and town buses allowed
access at walking speed
 cycle lanes incorporated into the 1-way system
 zebra and pelican crossings to improve the flow of pedestrians and traffic
Further research
We are presenting here a range of ideas for discussion and further research. However, we do
believe that a Henley Transport Strategy will need to incorporate many of these ideas if it is to
address the town's congestion and pollution problems in a sustainable way.
Working Together
We would be pleased to work together with OCC on a local transport plan for Henley. Alternatively,
as a way of moving forward we would suggest that a working party be set up with representatives
from the planning authorities and the wider Henley community to develop a transport strategy for
the town.
Dave McEwen
on behalf of Henley in Transition
Groves Cottage
31 Church Street
Henley-on-Thames
RG9 1SE
Tel: 01491 578658 or 07703 102688
email: davemcewen@btinternet.com
Appendix 1
HENLEY ON THAMES
A pedestrianisation plan - dealing with congestion and pollution
This is a proposal to pedestrianise Henley on Thames, already a famous and attractive
location but with a traffic and pollution problem. This document covers the structure and
implementation of the plan.
The principal objective is to pedestrianise more of the town for its own sake and to reduce
the pollution and traffic congestion. The Market Place pedestrianisation of 1999 has proved
to be very successful. It would remove pollution at a stroke from the worst affected streets.
Removing traffic lights and eliminating crossing traffic promote continual traffic flow and
reduce exhaust emissions.
A. Structure of the plan - see Appendix 2 for map
1. PEDESTRIANISE MARKET PLACE, DUKE STREET, BELL STREET (TO NEW STREET)
2. CREATE NEW ROAD: GREYS ROAD TO MARKET PLACE - ”ALBERT ROAD NORTH”
3. ONE WAY SYSTEM CLOCKWISE WITH MOTOR AND CYCLE LANE, 20 MPH THROUGHOUT
4. ALLTRAFFIC LIGHTS REMOVED
5. BRIDGE WESTERN END: BOX JUNCTION (c.f. GREYS ROAD JUNCTION) TO INTERFACE WITH
ONE WAY SYSTEM
6. HART STREET CLOSED TO WEST; PIAZZA WITH PARKING, MARKETS AND EVENTS AND
LEISURE TERRACE
7. PARKING LOST FROM GREYS ROAD CAR PARK REPLACED IN HART STREET AND BY
ALLOWING PARKING ON BOTH SIDES OF MORE ROADS, AS IN NEW STREET AT PRESENT.
8. CYCLE LANE INTRODUCED THROUGHOUT ONE WAY SYSTEM
9. 'MERGE IN TURN' AT JUNCTIONS
10. “STOP” AND “GIVE WAY” MARKINGS FOR TRAFFIC APPROACHING THE ONE WAY SYSTEM
B. Other Features
1. RESTRICTED HOURS FOR DELIVERIES
2. SHARED USE SURFACES IN PEDESTIANISED AREA. CYCLES AND TOWN BUSES ALLOWED AT
WALKING SPEED.
3. PARKING AVAILABILITY INDICATORS AT KEY POINTS, E.G. WOOTTON ROAD, GREEN LANE,
PARADISE ROAD, NORTHFIELD END. STATION ROAD (SEE THE SYSTEM IN READING).
POSSIBLY ACTIVATED BY PHONE BY PARKING OFFICERS.
4. THERE IS ADEQUATE PARKING IN THE TOWN. STATION CAR PARK, MILL MEADOWS, TESCO,
KINGS ROAD, GREYS ROAD AND GOODALL CLOSE..
5. TOWN BUSES TO SERVE THE CAR PARKS CREATING A PARK AND RIDE SCHEME
6. ALTERNATIVELY, CONSIDER LAND TRAINS WITH LUGGAGE SPACE TO OPERATE TO AND
FROM CAR PARKS AND ROUND TOWN (LAND TRAINS WOULD BE YET ANOTHER ATTRACTION
IN HENLEY)
7. ZEBRA OR PELICAN CROSSINGS AT REGULAR INTERVALS AROUND ONE WAY SYSTEM
Appendix 2 - Pedestrianisation Plan - Map of Henley Town Centre