Agenda item

A report is attached on ‘20mph Zones Review’. There will be a presentation on this item at the meeting.

This item was deferred from the last meeting of the Panel in May 2017.

Paul Garrod, Traffic Management and Network Manager, gave a presentation to the Panel on ‘Setting Local Speed Limits – A review of recent installations of 20mph area schemes (signage only)’ which covered the following:

·  Background

·  DfT Guidance

·  Types of roads and speed limits

·  Change in average traffic speed

·  Change in accident rate

·  Change in casualty rate and severity

·  Conclusions

The officer informed the Panel that the Department for Transport is conducting a study into the subject - outcomes are expected this year.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Samuel asked how the 1.3mph is calculated. The officer replied that he will report back on this point.

(This was reported after the meeting: “Page 7 of the report included a green and blue bar chart which illustrated changes in traffic speed since the 20mph limits were introduced. It also stated there has been an overall reduction of 1.3mph. Speed surveys were undertaken in 179 of the 1,499 streets where 20mph limits were introduced. They were undertaken before the speed limits came into effect and afterwards. In each of these streets, we were able to determine a mean ‘before’ speed and a mean ‘after’ speed, enabling us to calculate the change in mean speed. In most streets, this was a reduction in speed. We’ve totalled the average change in mean speeds and then divided that figure by 179 which produces the mean across all the sample streets of 1.3mph reduction”).

Councillor Turner asked if the officer could make a recommendation. The officer stated that the purpose of the report is for review and discussion and he felt the outcome of the DfT study was needed.

Councillor Butters asked if changing driver attitudes is taken into account. The officer responded that there has been no survey of driver behaviour/attitudes but the DfT research will have that type of analysis.

Councillor Anketell-Jones asked if sound recommendations can be made with such limited information. The officer stated that the information on vehicle speed is sound but 1 more year (3 in total) is needed for accident data.

Councillor Appleyard stated that schemes should be implemented if the community feels empowered and comforted, the cost is not high. The officer responded that the DfT research will be based on much more information so conclusions can be more informed.

Councillor Bull asked about police involvement in enforcement. The officer explained that some areas are self-enforcing but some are reliant on enforcement; police respond to complaints. Councillor Butters asked if there was a police view; the officer explained that the police are a consultee for transport proposals.

Councillor Samuel asked what the cost would be if the 20mph limits were reversed. The officer stated that the cost would be similar (slightly less) than the cost of the original 20mph initiative.

Councillor Samuel asked why RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) was not used to review the BANES scheme. The officer stated that there was no need to use an external review process. Councillor Samuel stated that higher pollution due to slower cars was an urban myth. He stated that the DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) proposals on air pollution would be available soon.

Councillor Evans asked if there were any inappropriate 20mph limits in BANES which may reduce the impact of the appropriate ones. The officer said this can be a risk and the limit on some roads may not feel right – the DfT guidance should be followed.

Councillor Gladwyn asked if there was enough data to tailor the approach to urban and rural roads. The officer agreed that this can be done.

Councillor Butters stated that it is cheaper if schemes are put in areas rather than street by street. The officer agreed.

Councillor Anketell-Jones explained that 20mph limits have many benefits for residents and have local support.

The Panel RESOLVED to:

·  Note the report;

·  Accept that more data over a three year period for all schemes is needed to provide evidence for any future changes to the scheme;

·  Note that capital budget provision will be required to implement any future changes;

·  Await the outcome of the Department for Transport review and request a report on this to a future panel;

·  Continue to consider specific applications for 20 mph schemes especially where these relate to safety around schools;

·  Recommend to the Cabinet Member that 20mph signage be removed where it is illogical.