Work completed on dedicated cycle path in King Street

Work has been completed on a new dedicated cycle path in King Street which aims to encourage sustainable travel around the town centre.

The scheme has been taking shape over the past six months on the pedestrianised section of King Street between Broadway and Keys Place.

There is now a cycle path which runs through the middle of the route with areas for pedestrians either side.

The project was funded by a grant from the Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Independent councillor Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The ultimate verdict will come from the residents obviously but from where I’m sitting right now, I’m very pleased with the work.

“This gives people a clear run and everybody can just get on with their business without looking over their shoulder for a bike.

“This is one of the few places we can do a scheme like this because most of the streets are too narrow and most of the pavements are too narrow.

“We want to do more but it’s just a question of funding and opportunity.”

The project is the first phase of the council’s long-term plan to improve walking and cycling routes across the borough over the next 30 years.

Other works planned include a route between the A4 Bath Road and Maidenhead High Street as well as improvements to cycling provision in Norfolk Road,

Councillor Hill added: “There is a master plan and we’re gradually going through it step by step. This is all part of it and things are very gradually getting connected up which is a good thing.”

Drivers have also been warned about the introduction of enforcement cameras at the junction of King Street and Nicholsons Lane to prevent vehicles using pedestrianised areas.

Back in January, the council announced plans for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at 10 trouble spots across the borough to clamp down on those who ignore highway laws.

Councillor Hill said: “All we’re doing is just enforcing the law. We’ve put it there because there’s been a lot of abuse.

“If you’ve got a pedestrianised area and cars driving around it when they shouldn’t then it’s dangerous for pedestrians.”

Drivers will initially get a warning letter but repeat offenders will subsequently be fined.

Councillor Hill added: “It’s all about safety on the highway and if people are persistent offenders then they’ll get some heavy fines and we will enforce and collect.

“They’re breaking the highway law and putting other people in danger so they deserve it.”