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ITEM EX12

EXECUTIVE – 20 JULY 2004

50 MPH SPEED LIMIT CRITERIA

Report by Head of Transport

Introduction

  1. On 3 April 2002 the Executive approved the development of a speed management strategy including a hierarchy of roads to help set a consistent framework for all new speed limits and help focus on the most effective limits promoted within works programmes. Progress on developing the hierarchy was reported to the Executive on 15 April 2003, when the Executive also received the report of the Community Safety Scrutiny Review, Road Safety and the 30 mph Speed Limit Project. In adopting the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review the Executive agreed to set up a Task Force with a remit (among other things) to oversee the development of the Speed Management Strategy. The Task Force comprises councillors nominated by the Community Safety and Environment Scrutiny Committees (Councillors Julian Cooper, Jelf, Joslin and Wilmshurst) together with officers from Environment & Economy and representatives from the Thames Valley Police.

  2. Despite has the recent countywide speed limit review, the high and increasing level of speed limit requests prompted the Transport Implementation Committee to place a moratorium on new limits, with very few exceptions, until the Task Force developed criteria on which all requests could be judged and prioritised. In view of objections lodged to a group of proposed 50mph limits for planned implementation in 2003/04 the Committee asked for consideration of 50mph limits to be the Task Force’s first priority. This report sets out the Task Force’s conclusions with regard to criteria such limits. Further reports will follow shortly on other levels in the hierarchy.

    3. Outline Criteria

  3. There are strong indications that 50 mph speed limits on rural single carriageways reduce accidents, especially where supported by additional measures. The criteria now proposed are intended to ensure the casualty reduction potential of all new 50 mph limits is maximised and that 50 mph limits be seen as reasonable measures to enhance safety and the environment rather than penalise drivers.

  4. The Task Force propose that the basic choice of routes should be chosen using the following criteria:

  • Priority should be given to routes with the best potential to reduce existing reported injury accident problems irrespective of location within the county.

  • Assessment should be based on the latest 5-year reported injury accident history.

  • Excessive speed must be evident - speed measurements should be taken at key points along the route where speed is not unduly restricted by the alignment and environment.

  • The alignment/environment must be restrictive and appear generally appropriate for a 50 mph limit.

  1. Procedures proposed to ensure the appropriateness and extent of potential routes are shown in Annex 1.

  2. It should be noted that, whilst the criteria are submitted for general approval, any objections to specific limits arising from consultation will be submitted to the Transport Implementation Committee for consideration on their merits.

    3. Consultation

  3. It is important to create local support for 50 mph limits if we are to promote their credibility with the general motoring public. Local councils must feel included from the outset as their backing as well as their local knowledge is essential. The liaison process will need to stress the accident reduction goals of the proposals and emphasise their role within a countywide policy.

  4. An outline of the preliminary consultation methodology with local representatives is given in Annex 2; these procedures are in addition to the formal (public) consultation process which will be undertaken for those routes finally chosen.

    5. Supporting Measures

  5. Monitoring evidence suggests that supporting calming measures can increase the ability of 50 mph speed limits to reduce accidents. All new limits should be supported by calming measures which as far as practicable will be to a standard format. Measures would be concentrated both at the start of limits, where the alignment and environment is more open, and where accident clusters occur. Details of potential supporting measures are outlined in Annex 3.

    6. Monitoring

  6. Each route will be reviewed and monitored with speed and accident results assessed annually after the first 2 years

    7. Financial and Staff Implications

  7. The criteria do not create direct financial or staff implications.

  8. It is planned to introduce up to 4 new 50 mph limits per financial year. As all 50 mph limits for the foreseeable future will be in response to high accident levels, financial provision will come from the ongoing Casualty Reduction Programme budget.

    9. RECOMMENDATIONS

  9. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:

          1. adopt the outline criteria and consultation procedures set out in the report for evaluation of proposals for 50 mph speed limits;

          2. endorse the proposals in the Annexes to the report illustrating survey methods, route extent, preliminary consultation and supporting measures to be used in conjunction with new 50 mph speed limits.

DAVID McKIBBIN
Head of Transport

Background Papers: Nil

Contact Officer: Geoff Barrell Tel: (01865) 810450

July 2004

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