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ITEM EX24

EXECUTIVE – 23 JULY 2002

40MPH SPEED LIMIT, B4012 HOWLAND ROAD, THAME

Report by Director of Environmental Services

 

Introduction

  1. This report details the responses to formal consultations carried out on the proposal to reduce the speed limit from 50mph to 40mph on a section of B4012 Howland Road, Thame.

  2. The speed limit is being reduced to enable a Toucan Crossing to be installed by Sustrans, who are constructing the Pheonix Trail cycle route between Princes Risborough and Thame. The route runs along the length of a disused railway line and crosses the Howland Road at the site of an old level crossing. Consultation on this crossing was reported to the 19 March 2002 Executive. A location plan of the crossing and speed limit is attached at Annex 1.

    3. Consultation

  3. A formal period of consultation on the proposed speed limit TRO was carried out between 25 April and 25 May 2002 and consisted of letters and plans being sent to Thame Town Council, the District Council, the local County Councillor and the emergency services. Notices were also erected on site, published in the local press, and put on deposit in the local library.

  4. There were no objections to the speed limit received during the consultation. However Thames Valley Police are concerned that unless features are introduced to reduce the 85%ile speed along the road as well as lowering the limit, then actual speeds might not be reduced. As a result we also propose to introduce central hatchings and red surfacing to narrow down the carriageway and emphasise the change in environment in order to achieve that reduction.

  5. A copy of the Police report is attached at Annex 2.

    6. Director’s Comments

  6. The Toucan Crossing scheme will complete the Pheonix Trail cycle path between Princes Risborough and Thame providing the general public with a safer more pleasant way of getting between the two towns.

  7. Therefore I recommend that the Speed Limit Order is made and that the additional features agreed with the Police are implemented to help to reduce the 85%ile speed.

    8. Financial and Staff Implications

  8. The cost of this work, and the speed limit signs themselves, will be charged to Sustrans as part of the scheme.

    9.   RECOMMENDATIONS

  9. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to approve the making of the Order reducing the speed limit along the Howland Road from 50mph to 40mph, together with the introduction of physical speed reducing features as detailed in the report.

DAVID YOUNG
Director of Environmental Services

Background papers: Nil

Contact Officer: Richard Ponchaud Tel: Oxford 815837

July 2002

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