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ITEM TIC6

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 29 MAY 2003

A329/B480 ROUTE ACTION

Report by the Assistant Director (Transport Development)

Introduction

  1. Implementation of route action treatment measures on the A329/B480, from Grenoble Road, Blackbird Leys, to the M40 junction 7, is included in the Community Safety Transport Programme for 2003/04.

  2. The initial measure is to propose a 50mph speed limit for stretches of the A329/B480 that is contiguous with the existing 30mph speed limits through the villages. A plan indicating the proposals is attached to this report (Annex 1) (download as .doc file)..

  3. Further measures are planned for the route. These include additional signs on sections of the B480 and traffic calming in Little Milton.

  4. Formal consultation on the 50mph speed limit has been completed and this report details the objection received and seeks approval to proceed to implementation.

    5. Consultation

  5. Formal consultation was undertaken with the local County Councillor, District Council, Parish Councils, emergency services and other relevant bodies.

  6. All five parish councils along the route support the proposals. Thames Valley Police have confirmed the route as suitable for a 50mph speed limit and that it will be beneficial to road safety.

  7. One letter of objection (which has been placed in the Members’ Resource Centre) has been received from a member of the public who travels along part of the route daily on their way to/from work and has objected on the grounds that the proposed speed limit is unrealistic and unjustified for the road.

    8. Assistant Director’s Comments

  8. The 50mph speed limit being promoted is considered a realistic speed for the road. This is supported by results from surveys carried out on various sections of the route which show that the measured 85%ile speeds meet current advice for introducing such a limit. The section from Little Milton to the M40 will require additional measures such as traffic signs/road markings and these will be undertaken as part of the route action scheme.

  9. There have been 50 personal injury accidents along the route covered by the proposed 50mph speed limits within the 5 year period ending 31 March 2003. Introduction of similar speed limits within the County have resulted in a minimum accident reduction of 40% when monitored 3 years after implementation.

    10. Financial and Staff Implications

  10. Funding for the scheme which will cost £10,000 is included in the Community Safety Transport Programme 2003/04.

  11. There are no significant staff implications.

    12. RECOMMENDATIONS

  12. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to authorise the making of the 50mph Traffic Regulation Order as set out in the report.

EDDIE LUCK
Assistant Director (Transport Development)

Background papers: Consultation reply

Contact Officer: Andy Warren Tel: Oxford (01865) 815835

May 2003

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