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Division(s): Faringdon

ITEM TIC11

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 22 DECEMBER 2005

LECHLADE ROAD, FARINGDON – PROPOSED TRAFFIC CALMING

Report by Head of Transport

Introduction

  1. This report considers comments/objections received following the formal advertisement of a proposed traffic calming scheme along Lechlade Road, Faringdon. The scheme incorporates three sets of two speed cushions and two sets of three speed cushions, all 75mm high, as shown on the Plan at Annex 1 (download as .doc file).

    2. Background

  2. The Lechlade Road traffic calming scheme is being proposed at the request of the Faringdon Traffic Advisory Committee and stems from Police concerns regarding excessive speeds along this road, particularly past Faringdon County Infants School.

  3. A 24hr/7 day speed survey was undertaken in June 2004 and the recorded 85%ile speeds (the speed that 85% of the traffic is not exceeding) were 44mph towards Lechlade and 40mph towards Faringdon town centre. The speed limit on this section of Lechlade Road is 30mph.

    4. Consultation

  4. Formal consultation was carried out between 30 September and 28 October 2005.

  5. The proposals were advertised formally in the local press with notices posted on site. Copies of the notice, statement of reasons and plan were posted to all statutory consultees and copies of the notice posted to directly affected frontagers.

  6. A total of 8 letters containing comments/objections have been received from local residents (Lechlade Road and Woodview). A summary of the comments/objections together with an officer response is included at Annex 2 (download as .doc file).

  7. Thames Valley Police have no objection to the proposals. The Vale of White Horse District Council also support the scheme.

  8. Following concern from some local residents a meeting was held in Faringdon on 22 November with the Area Traffic Engineer and the County Councillor to discuss the scheme following which it was decided to consult with those residents directly affected one more time prior to making a decision on whether the scheme should proceed.

  9. Letters giving local residents the opportunity to vote ‘for’ or ‘against’ the traffic calming, together with pre-paid envelopes for their return were delivered on 29 November 2005. The Area Traffic Engineer will give an oral report on the results of this additional consultation at the meeting.

    10. Conclusions

  10. The proposed speed cushions will reduce vehicular speeds, thereby providing a safer environment for vulnerable road users and giving a positive benefit to road safety.

  11. Thames Valley Police have agreed that a system of speed cushions should have a positive effect on reducing speed on this section of road.

    12. Financial Implications

  12. The scheme is being funded from the Area Office Local Safety Scheme budget at a cost of approximately £8000.

    13. RECOMMENDATION

  13. The Committee is RECOMMENDED subject to consideration of the results of the additional consultation to be reported at the meeting to authorise implementation of the scheme.

STEVE HOWELL
Head of Transport

Background papers: Consultation papers and responses

Contact Officer: Lee Turner, Tel 01235 466120

November 2005

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