Agenda item

(Indicative timings 11.45am – 12.25pm)

The Panel was provided with an update on developments relating to road safety and reduction of speeding by the use of the built highways infrastructure.

In the course of the discussion, the following main points were made:

·       Members were informed that recent years had seen a reduction in the number of police reported accidents.  In terms of national comparisons, Worcestershire was a high performer having a comparatively low rate of accidents.

·       It was agreed that Councillor Stokes would be provided with a breakdown of accident data to provide evidence to support promotion of Bikeability.

·       Members were reminded that accident analysis focused on police reported accidents.  A road safety audit was carried out on all highways improvement schemes.  Paragraph 12 of the agenda report gave examples of recent schemes that had been identified through accident studies and progressed through the Casualty Reduction Capital Programme.

·       In response to a question about planned improvements at Clows Top, the Panel was reminded that improvements had recently been completed at that location, including upgrades to visibility, warning and skid resistance.  If Panel Members had any further information or ideas for future work, they were asked to contact the Head of Traffic Management.

·       With reference to Pulley Lane, Droitwich, it was acknowledged that there were some constraints in relation to highways limits.  It was agreed that an update on this would be provided to Councillor Brookes after the meeting.

·       The Chairman asked whether consideration could be given to the use of chicanes to reduce speeding as he believed these had been successfully used in neighbouring counties but not in Worcestershire.

·       He also informed the Panel about the pilot scheme in Feckenham which used road narrowing to reduce drivers’ speed, an approach which was relatively cheap.  Feedback from the local Member suggested that residents were very positive about the scheme.  The Panel was reminded that this was still at the pilot stage and assessing the scheme’s effectiveness was a long-term process as it was necessary to collect sufficient data over a long period of time.  Also, Feckenham was an unusual case in that it was a village with street lighting which ensured visibility of narrowed lanes.  This was not the case for most villages in Worcestershire as many had no streetlights and no easily accessible electricity supply, something which was a significant constraint.

·       It was suggested that, where a village had street lighting and an accessible electricity supply, the Feckenham scheme was one that should be considered.  The Panel was reminded that speed reduction plans focused on casualty reduction.  A site where there was evidence of speeding but no accidents causing injury would not be as high a priority.  It was suggested that Members may be able to use their divisional highways funds to support schemes similar to the one in Feckenham.

·       The photos of traffic calming features included in the agenda report were welcomed and it was suggested that the Assistant Director for Highways and Transport Operations may wish to consider including these photos in the Directorate of Economy and Infrastructure Councillor Handbook.

·       It was agreed that the Head of Traffic Management would look into whether there were any conflicts between residential development design and planning guidance and inform the Panel in due course.  It was confirmed that the Council’s Streetscape Design Guide was based on national guidance.  It was recognised that increased visibility led to increased speed.

The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport reminded the Panel that enforcement of speed limits was a matter for the police and suggested that it was not getting the priority it deserved.  It was an important issue for local residents and, as a local authority, the County Council needed to ensure there was pressure on the police to prioritise this issue.  The County Council was doing what it could within the powers at its disposal.  He reminded the Panel that many Councillors has chosen to use their Highways and Divisional funds to provide vehicle activated signs for use in their local area.  He noted that chicanes had been used successfully in Warndon, Worcester and suggested that it was important to consider all speed reduction methods.

It was agreed that a further update would be provided in 12 to 18 months’ time including a map showing the location of schemes described and images of completed schemes.