Agenda item

The Panel was provided with an update on the work being undertaken in support of the Police and Crime Plan objective to 'work with the Safer Roads Partnerships to reduce the number of casualties on our roads'.

The following points were highlighted to the Panel:

•      Approximately 50 communities had shown interest in the Community Speedwatch initiative.  Successful pilots had been held in Crowle (Worcestershire) and in Wigmore (Herefordshire) and it was anticipated that by late Spring 2015 a minimum of 10 schemes would be in operation with others to commence during the summer (subject to the availability of equipment)

•      Road casualty data relating to road deaths, serious injuries and pedestrian casualties

•      The impact to communities was not necessarily the speed, but the volume of traffic, which potentially caused difficulty in crossing the road.

In discussion the following points were made and responded to:

•      Why had the number of road deaths in Herefordshire increased substantially; were there contributory factors?  The Panel was advised that there were no known explanations for the increase and there were no apparent correlations.  The circumstances of each of the fatal incidents differed. 

•      High speeding along rural lanes was a problem across rural areas.  Whilst many parish councils had jointly funded illuminated signs, which had some impact, what opportunities were available for rural areas to access the Community Speedwatch initiative?  In response it was stated that there was no bar; an application needed to be completed and an assessment made.  It was acknowledged that speeding motorcycles were a problem in some areas, and specialist equipment to track motorcycle speed would be considered

•      Inappropriate use by vehicles (especially lorries) of rural narrow roads was highlighted, and whilst it was stated that the use of appropriate mapping systems/ sat nav were not compulsory, static signage (indicating the inappropriateness of roads for certain vehicles) were becoming more common

•      Had the reduction in the use of street lighting (zoning) had a consequential impact on accidents and crime?  In response it was stated that there had been research undertaken which stated that the zoning of street lighting had no effect on casualty rates on the number of incidents 

•      Responding to a question about road cycling, the Deputy Chief Constable stated that there was a need to adopt a safe cycling approach and for cyclist to stay within the law.  It was important to target antisocial behaviour on roads, be it car, pedestrians, cycles etc

•      Responding to a question about educating youngsters and young drivers about road safety, it was stated that and education workshops were held across the region, though it was not clear how the success of the scheme was assessed.  It was requested that the next road safety report included information relating to the success of the various road safety schemes and initiatives currently in place across the area

•      What was the Commissioner's view about enforcing the 20mph zone in '20's plenty' areas?  In response it was stated that the 20mph was advisory and was not currently legally enforceable.  Other considerations, such as road engineering, was important in regulating speed

•      Was any specific work undertaken with schools, parents, students etc to make them more aware of road safety issues?  In response it was stated that there was a joined up approach between the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and the local authority highways and education service to consider a school's individual circumstances and to ensure appropriate solutions, e.g safe pick-up and drop-off points

•      Did the police have the appropriate time and capacity to respond to relevant local planning consultations?  The Deputy Chief Constable stated that the Police would ensure that  time was given to responding to any safety concerns.  An 'integrated community management' pilot scheme, which incorporated mixed agency teams to determine local priorities, was to be established.  It was emphasised that the Police would enforce all laws where applicable.  It was acknowledged that neither the Police nor the Commissioner received any contribution from the planning application fee

•      In recognising the dangers of agricultural vehicles and the presence of mud on the roads, how could local authorities help identify problems, support remedies and assist with enforcement?  In response it was stated that it was an offence to deposit mud on the road and that this was a problem across the region, which was taken seriously by the police and the law robustly enforced.  Most farmers were very responsible and cleared up muddy roads on a daily basis.  Signage was used extensively during the appropriate seasons and it was hoped that any problems were resolved swiftly by the neighbourhood policing teams.  Local authorities could help by being additional 'eyes and ears' on the ground and informing the police of issues should they arise.

RESOLVED that the Panel notes the Safer Roads Update report.