Forward Plan Ref: 2019/031

Contact: Hugh Potter, Team Leader – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Infrastructure Operations (CMDE7).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 40mph speed limit on the A4155 between Lower and Upper Shiplake (in place of the current 30mph speed limit) as a result of safety concerns on the part of Shiplake Parish Council that the current 30mph speed limit – which runs through largely open countryside – is poorly respected and results in undesirable behaviours (for example following the vehicle ahead too closely and overtaking) and reduces respect for the 30mph speed limit on the A4155 in the more built up parts of  Lower and Upper Shiplake.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed increase in speed limit to 40mph speed limit (from the current 30mph speed limit) on the A4155 between Lower and Upper Shiplake as advertised.

Approved

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE7) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 40mph speed limit on the A4155 between Lower and Upper Shiplake (in place of the current 30mph speed limit) as a result of safety concerns on the part of Shiplake Parish Council that the current 30mph speed limit – which ran through largely open countryside – was poorly respected, resulted in tailgating, inappropriate overtaking and reduced respect for the 30mph speed limit on the A4155 in the more built up parts of  Lower and Upper Shiplake.

David Pheasant (Shiplake Parish Council) advised that the parish council had a strong focus on safety and value for money.  The road in question was seen as a fast road with many instances of tailgating and hazardous overtaking. Whereas, local people were aware of the dangers and respected the existing limit others did not, which was why an increase was seen as the best option to encourage greater respect from drivers.

Endorsing those comments Councillor David Bartholomew explained that as this section of the A4155 to Henley was in open countryside non-local drivers consequently and incorrectly thought it to be a fast road.  By reflecting the reality of the situation he considered that a new 40 mph limit would encourage drivers to show greater respect than they do for the current 30mph limit thereby reducing instances of tailgating and risky overtaking manoeuvres. Currently the 30 mph repeater signs were often overgrown and where the speed limit dropped back to 30mph large 30 signs would be erected to help slow south and north travelling traffic before the crossroads at Station Road. Recent surveys indicated the existing limit was widely flouted and there was a lot of local support for the change.

Acknowledging local support both financial and otherwise the Cabinet Member having regard to the information in the report before her and the representations made to her at the meeting confirmed her decision as follows:

to approve the proposed increase in speed limit to 40mph speed limit (from the current 30mph speed limit) on the A4155 between Lower and Upper Shiplake as advertised.

Signed…………………………………………..

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing…………………………………