Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2017/162

Contact: Hugh Potter, Team Leader – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Infrastructure Delivery (CMDE11).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit at Swinbrook and a 30mph speed limit at Widford. The proposals put forward by Swinbrook and Widford Parish Council are in response to concerns over road safety and the wider adverse impact of traffic on residents and visitors to the villages of Swinbrook and Widford.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve proposals to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit at Swinbrook and a 30mph speed limit at Widford as advertised.

Approved

The Leader of the Council considered (CMDE11) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit at Swinbrook and a 30mph speed limit at Widford put forward by Swinbrook and Widford Parish Council in response to concerns over road safety and the wider adverse impact of traffic on residents and visitors to the villages of Swinbrook and Widford.

Speaking in support Christine Standen a local resident referred to overwhelming local support for the proposals. Local roads had no footpaths and with a number of blind bends cars were always in close proximity with other users. As traffic increased so did local concerns that a serious collision was inevitable. The proposals had been amended to meet some of the points raised by objectors.

Mike Bloor a Swinbrook resident also supported the proposals. The parish council had unofficially recorded a number of incidents and close misses and referring to a ROSPA study in 2017 which stated that 20 mph speed limits reduced traffic accidents and traffic volumes it was hoped that the limit, if approved, would set an appropriate guide for these roads and also improve the quality of life for residents. Funding by the parish council showed their support.

Mr Kirkwood advised that this was one of several parish council funded schemes and confirmed that it met DTP guidelines. Although police enforcement would be negligible officers had no concerns with the speed limits proposed for either village.

Having regard to the information set out in the report and the representations made to him at the meeting the Leader of the Council confirmed his decision as follows:

to approve proposals to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit at Swinbrook and a 30mph speed limit at Widford as advertised.

Signed……………………………………

Leader of the Council

Date of signing………………………….