Point made by Objectors

Officer Comments

1

Buses would be adversely affected by the traffic calming.

Buses will be able to straddle the speed cushions. The local bus company has been consulted and supports the scheme.

2

Cyclists would be adversely affected by the traffic calming.

The carriageway and footway widths are insufficient to allow for any cycle facilities. It is expected that by reducing the general traffic speed, the environment for cyclists would be improved.

3

There is no speeding problem at present.

This is not true. A recent survey showed the 85 %tile speed on Harcourt Hill is 39 mph.

4

Three cushions should be used instead of five

This would encourage speeding, as the distance between the cushions would be greater and hence is likely to make the scheme ineffective.

5

The speed cushion outside a house should be resited.

The cushions will be sited at the best possible locations taking account of comments received.

6

Traffic calming is not compatible with the rural nature of Harcourt Hill.

There are many examples both locally and nationally where traffic calming has been used effectively in rural locations.

7

Speed cushions are uncomfortable and cause wear and tear problems for cars.

If driven at appropriate speeds, cushions are not uncomfortable and do not cause wear and tear problems.

8

Speed cushions cause noise and pollution.

Experience elsewhere shows that the noise and pollution from speed cushions is insignificant.

9

Speed cushions would create another hazard.

If vehicles are driven sensibly, the cushions would not create any hazards for them.

10

Road humps should be used instead of speed cushions.

Road humps are likely to receive strong objections from the bus company and the emergency services.

11

Money should be spent on road widening and to straighten out the bend.

There are insufficient funds for carriageway widening or straightening. In any event, this is likely to increase speeds.

12

Money should be spent on drainage and filling potholes.

The developers contribution can not be spent on these matters. There is a separate budget which deals with the maintenance issues.

13

Students are the culprits and should be educated regarding speeding.

Education has a role to play in gaining general acceptance of the safety benefits of lower speeds, but physical measures have proved to be the most effective way of reducing speeds on specific roads where speeds are too high.

14

Traffic calming is unnecessary as the houses are only on one side of the road and hence there is no need to cross the road.

This is not strictly true. Pedestrians still need to cross the road at some point to go towards Botley.