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Division(s): Barton and Churchill & Headington and Marston

ITEM TIC9

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 22 DECEMBER 2005

OXFORD: A4142 EASTERN BYPASS – PROPOSED 50 MPH SPEED LIMIT - OUTCOME OF STATUTORY CONSULTATION

Report by Head of Transport

Introduction

  1. The deaths of 4 people including 3 children caused by a car crossing the central reservation has led to calls for safety improvements on this section of the Eastern Bypass. While these calls largely centre on the provision of a safety barrier, a 50 mph speed limit was also suggested as a low-cost measure which had proved effective in other locations. The existing 50 mph limit ends just south of the Risinghurst turn. This report outlines the results of statutory consultation on a proposal to extend the limit to cover all the Eastern Bypass as far as Heyford Hill Roundabout.

  2. Each year all major routes are reviewed for a 50 mph speed limit based on criteria approved by the Executive in July 2004 with limits implemented, subject to consultation, on the 5 routes with greatest casualty reduction potential. The Eastern Bypass has been a strong contender for several years; although the route is a dual carriageway a 50 mph speed limit is considered appropriate given the number of junctions over a relatively short length. The encouraging speed reduction effect of the 50 mph limit on the A34 at Botley suggests a similar limit, also with vehicle-activated signs, would complement a barrier and help reduce the chances not only of another major tragedy but also the number of less serious accidents. The proposal would also lessen the noise suffered by the many living close to the route.

    3. Results of Consultation

  3. There have been nine objections to the proposed 50 mph speed limit which are summarised at Annex 1 (download as .doc file). Copies of the full correspondence received is available in the Members’ Resource Centre. All concerns are very similar to those regularly expressed in connection with the annual 50 mph speed limit programme and are based on the assumption that the proposal will be ineffective.

    4. Financial and Staff Implications

  4. If the limit is approved it would be implemented as part of the routine Casualty Reduction Programme and not require any additional financial or staff resources.

    5. RECOMMENDATIONS

  5. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to:

          1. note the objections and representations received in response to the formal consultation to the proposals as summarised in Annex 1 to this report; and

          2. authorise the Director of Environment and Economy to make the proposed Order for a 50 mph speed limit on the Eastern Bypass as set out in this report.

STEVE HOWELL
Head of Transport

Background papers: Consultation and responses

Contact officer: Geoff Barrell, Principal Road Safety Engineer, Tel: 01865 810450

December 2005

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