I have previously written a number of posts on this subject but I have summarised it here.
In April 2011, numerous cycle signs and associated directional signs appeared around Biggleswade. A number of them were wrong and I pointed this out to the Senior Engineer at Bedfordshire Highways. Some of them have been changed. Others like the one at the top of Holme Court Avenue directing you to turn right to Stratton Upper School and finding another 100 yards along the London Road sending you back again and the one at Kitelands sending you and your bike through Southlands School over the fence to Holmemead School remain. Bedfordshire Highways Clients, Central Bedfordshire Council (Sustainable Transport, Nick Shaw & Cycling & Walking Officer, Steve Lakin) have apparently confirmed the scheme signage is correct!!
Attached to an email in January 2012 from the Senior Engineer at Bedfordshire Highways was a drawing with the last amendment dated 25th August 2011, showing a totally new scheme. No mention of this drawing was made in the email. So before they had hardly finished the first one another scheme was being designed.
I asked a number of times about the status of this drawing and did not receive a response until March 2012:
The plan mentioned forms the basis of the latest scheme which include very minor alterations to the original layout. I understand since our discussions a revision has been issued.
It was about this time that this scheme (with revisions?) was starting to be implemented. The minor changes seem to involve taking down most of the "cycle" signs and now painting green patches with a cycle on them on the carriageway. How long are they going to last? It also includes replacing or providing at least a dozen signs. All minor alterations?
You can now access this drawing through this link and decide for yourself if these are minor alterations.
Apparently it does not appear to matter what the cost of the original scheme was or how much the new one is, as "it does not come out of Council Tax Payers monies". It comes from Section 106 monies. That is money that has been paid in by developers as part of a condition of planning. It is still our money.
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