Clevedon seafront and Hill Road review

We have commissioned an independent review into a scheme intended to improve pedestrian and cycle access in Clevedon. 

Independent experts AECOM will review changes made to Hill Road and The Beach. This is in response to criticism received from local residents and businesses.

About the scheme

The scheme was designed to support our commitment to providing sustainable travel routes. This is to encourage more cycling and walking as well as reducing car travel.

The first stage of the scheme focused on the Hill Road area and included:

• the widening of pavements on the north side of the road
• new crossing points
• road resurfacing
• new road markings
• a one-way system
• a contraflow cycle lane
• a 20mph limit

The second stage of works to The Beach provided:

• a new 20mph limit
• public realm improvements
• new crossing points
• a segregated cycle lane forming the start and end point of the Pier to Pier Way

Since May we have arranged a number of pieces of work to inform the independent review:

• last month, Active Travel England visited Clevedon to inspect the scheme's compliance with its government funding agreement. This is following the engagement of local MPs with the Department for Transport and Parliament.
• we have commissioned engineers to conduct a Stage Three Post-Implementation Safety Audit. This is standard statutory and council process for any significant investment scheme. This will take place early in August.
• Audit West are currently reviewing the development and implementation of the scheme. This includes the consultation and any decision-making that took place.

The review will establish at a high level whether there is a case for reversing or changing elements of the scheme. It will address issues and recommendations, and what the potential costs might be.

After the May local elections, our new partnership administration committed to engaging with the public in this review.

The review process began with two public meetings in Clevedon to kickstart community involvement:

• 20 July - Clevedon Community Hall 
• 7 August - Christchurch on Chapel Hill 

The meetings were both led by Cllr Mike Bell, the Leader of North Somerset Council and Cllr Hannah Young, North Somerset Council’s executive member for active travel and a local Clevedon ward member. They were joined by Vicky Presland from AECOM who is leading the independent review. 

Following on from these public meetings, as part of their independent review, AECOM are running a public consultation between 10am Monday 14 August and 11.59pm on Monday 25 September. 

Please visit our dedicated AECOM webpage to find out more.