Preferred Option

How was the 'preferred option' for the Marine Parade area decided upon?

The Marine Parade consultation process received an excellent response, with more than 2000 questionnaires completed, including 47 filled in on-line. Of these, some 44% added comments, and a further 78 letters were received. The inteGREAT team would like to thank everyone who took part.

Many of the proposals enjoyed a high level of support

• 85% of respondents supported a separate slow lane for landaus, the road train and cyclists
• 81% were in favour of pedestrianising the rest of Regent Road

To help arrive at a preferred scheme, two decision-making consultation workshops were set up. These were attended by a broad cross-representation of people with an interest in the town, and who were most likely to be affected by the proposals. They included

• taxi, bus, landau and cycle group representatives
• business representatives from Regent Road and Marine Parade
• disability and community groups
• borough and county council officers
• councillors
• emergency services

During the workshops each of the key questions posed on the original questionnaire was debated. The responses gained from the public in summer 2004 formed a valuable part of the workshop and have helped shape the scheme. As a result, the design incorporates many of the suggestions and requests, where practical.

The preferred option was subsequently endorsed by the inteGREAT Management Board.