Aims of the strategy
To improve the public realm and accessibility of Custom House Quay between St Mary Street and the Esplanade, supporting both active travel through the town and the economic vitality of Weymouth.
Background to the proposal
The removal of the Harbour tracks has provided an opportunity to rethink the layout of the space in the Harbour. The existence of copious free parking in this area reduces the space available to people on foot.
Intelligence and Communication
Input from the Dorset Safe Streets consultation portal and analysis of Dorset population demographics. A second consultation was completed as part of the traffic regulation order (TRO process.)
Data, information, evidence and research used and how it has influenced the decision-making process
Some self-reported data from the Dorset Safe Streets.
Engagement or consultation that has taken place as part of this EqIA
Online consultation conducted in summer 2020 (Dorset Safe Streets), invited Dorset residents to register issues of concerns with provision for walking and cycling in their areas. Many users also self-reported age, gender and disability status, which allows some EqIA elements to be identified.
The desire to improve the Harbourside to make it better for walking and cycling was repeatedly made by many individuals as part of this process.
Following this a public survey was launched on a proposed solution for Custom House Quay to be implemented following the rail track removal works. This has found strong support for the scheme from all groups, with full analysis by some protected characteristics groups ongoing.
Feedback
Feedback on the public survey will be published in early March 2021.
Assessment
Impacts of the strategy
| Impact on who or what | Effect | Details |
|---|---|---|
Age: |
Positive |
Wider footways will be safer for people of all ages, providing more space away from potential conflict with motor vehicles. This is particularly the case for children and older people. |
Disability: |
Unclear |
The proposals will be of benefit to some disabled people, particularly wheelchair users and those with other mobility issues. Visually impaired users will also benefit from the provision of wider, footways on the northern side and the provision of tactile paving on uncontrolled crossings. On the southern side, it is proposed to maintain the existing situation of a footway area marked out from the carriageway, but to improve separation from the carriageway by way of bollards, bins and benches, giving a wider, clearer footway space.
The loss of parking in this area will affect some disabled people who need to use private cars for much of their mobility. In mitigation, additional disabled parking bays are being marked out at the eastern end of Custom House Quay, in places currently reserved for residents. |
Affected specific disability groups |
n/a |
People with a range of physical, sensory and learning disabilities |
Gender Reassignment & Gender Identity: |
Neutral | No impact identified |
Pregnancy and maternity: |
Positive |
Wider footways will be more navigable for parents using buggies and pushchairs. |
Poverty (social & economic deprivation): |
Positive |
A large proportion of households in Weymouth are without access to a car, often linked to poverty. Wider footways and better cycling conditions will be of particular benefit to this group. |
Key to effects or impacts
Positive - the proposal eliminates discrimination, advances equality of opportunity and/or fosters good relations with protected groups.
Negative - protected characteristic group(s) could be disadvantaged or discriminated against
Neutral - no change/ no assessed significant impact of protected characteristic groups
Negative - protected characteristic group(s) could be disadvantaged or discriminated against
Action Plan
Issue |
Action to be taken |
Persons(s) responsible |
Date action to be taken by |
|---|---|---|---|
Loss of parking |
The loss of parking in this area will affect some disabled people who need to use private cars for much of their mobility. In mitigation, additional disabled parking bays are being marked out at the eastern end of Custom House Quay, in places currently reserved for residents. |
Project Manager |
Introduced at completion of scheme |
People who have agreed the EQIA
Name Chris Peck/Richard Parfitt
Date 13 August 2021
Equality Lead Bridget Downton
Date 3 September 2021