Overton Road engagement feedback

We asked

The engagement on Overton Road was open for six weeks from Monday 11 January 2021 and Sunday 7 February 2021. People were asked about their street environment, what they liked about the street, what they would improve and what would they prioritise. The survey captured views from residents, businesses and anyone who uses the street to help build a picture of what people would like to see improved in the street environment and provide feedback on their own experiences.

Individual responses were received via the online survey and, to ensure the survey reached as wide an audience as possible, paper copies with a language template covering 12 languages were posted along with a free post envelope to more than 700 local properties. 20 posters were put up in the local area to raise awareness of the survey. Local stakeholders and community groups were also asked to help raise awareness of the survey and it was promoted via social media platforms. Due to Covid19 restrictions preventing face to face engagement, the team offered virtual chats and phone appointments to anyone who didn’t want to submit a written response but wanted to ask questions and provide feedback.

You said

From this survey we received 322 responses to the engagement, which were made up of 177 online and 145 paper copies. Of the responses received 92% are residents who live within one mile and walk to the road with 46% riding a bike and 43% driving a car/ van.

From the respondents most liked the closeness to Gloucester Road (89.1%) whilst 45% liked that it is easy to walk around and 45% liked the character of the street.

68% thought pavements are too narrow over 50% thought cycle parking was a moderate or serious problem with a similar number wanting dedicated space for cyclists.

In terms of priorities: 66% wanted wider pavements, 60% wanted motorised traffic restricted, 57% wanted more greenery and planters, 55% wanted it made easier to cross the road, 55% wanted more space for community amenities, 53% wanted prioritised space for cycling, and 20% wanted motorised traffic maintained.

75% agreed with the proposed scheme to close access from Gloucester Road and free text responses showed majority support for closing the street and total closure from both ends rather than just Gloucester Road end.

We did

The feedback from this survey along with the engagement with local businesses, community groups and local stakeholders has been used to help decide on next steps. A few proposals to maximise pedestrian space in the area have been designed and will be discussed with local businesses to ensure they meet loading requirements before being subject to local consultation. More information about what we engaged on and the results are available in the full report.