Traffic Issues

Traffic Issues This page will update members on Traffic Issues in the Village such as Speeding and Volumes. Please see correspondence below on the proposed 20 mph roll out over West Cheshire and Chester Council: The Chief ExecutiveCheshire West and Chester Council4^th FloorHQ58 Nicholas StreetChester CH1 2NP 7^th February 2016Dear Mr. Robinson,The Council’s 20mph PolicyFollowing the decision taken by the Cabinet at its meeting on 6^th January and the publicity which it has since received, the Association has received a number of enquiries regarding the application or otherwise of the above Policy to Burton. Concern has also been expressed about the proposal not to seek the views of local residents.From what was said at the meeting and having regard to the Speed Assessment Report of 27^thJanuary 2015 on Burton Village by the Council’s Road Safety Engineer which was endorsed by the Police, I have taken the view that the Policy does not apply to Burton. However, before responding to the enquiries mentioned above, I should be very grateful for clarification of the Policy and confirmation of whether or not it applies to Burton.Yours sincerelyMichael RedmondChairman Cheshire West and Chester CEO's reply 17.2.16: Dear Mr Redmond, The Council’s 20mph Policy Thank for your letter of 7 February 2016 in relation to a 20mph speed limit in the village of Burton. I understand you are aware of the Council’s decision taken on 6 January 2016 to implement 20 mph speed limits across the borough within residential areas and around schools. The decision was called-in and debated at Overview and Scrutiny committee on 9 February 2016 where it was approved. I would like to explain in more detail the revision in the Council’s policy in setting 20mph speed limits and hopefully this can assist you as the Chairman of the Burton Residents Association in answering the views of the local residents. The specific changes in the policy was to approve the implementation of 20 limits on residential roads across the borough where the mean speeds on most roads are currently less than 24mph and around schools where the mean speed is currently less than 30mph. A sum of £200,000 per year for four years will be allocated to fund this initiative and over the next 12 months the Council will prepare and develop a programme and prioritise which areas meet the revised policy. It is important to note that the Council will no longer require the community to put forward proposals of where they would like to see 20mph schemes implemented. One of the key decisions is that the Council will no longer require every household within an area where a 20mph scheme is proposed to receive an individual letter asking for their support and provide evidence of this support of more than 50%. We will of course undertake the Statutory Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process that involves consulting with Emergency Services/Ward Members/Parish Council’s/Bus Operators/Road Haulage, etc. In addition to this we will be sending letters to affected residents explaining a summary of the scheme and how to object via the TRO process, if they so desire. In terms of previous speed limit assessments undertaken within Burton village, it would be unreasonable for us to pre-empt any decision now on the outcome for a 20 mph limit in Burton. We will be assessing all areas in the borough and will continue to work closely with Cheshire Police throughout the process to ensure we form a robust and consistent approach. Unfortunately, I am unable at this stage to tell you when we will be assessing the area of Burton village as we are currently developing a programme of areas to assess and implement in the first year. In the meantime, I hope I have been able to provide you with more detail in relation to the revised changes in policy on 20mph speed limits. Yours sincerely Steve Robinson Chief Executive Below is the meeting minutes taken by CWaC Officers at the Burton Community Forum meeting held on 14th November 2012 at the Gladstone Village Hall. Burton Community Forum held on the 14th November 2012 Burton Traffic Issues The table below highlights the key discussion points and themes raised at the meeting. Questions 1. How is data collected? From a black box which reacts on infra red beams, collects 24 hours of data over a period of 7 days. Copies of data which shows classification of vehicles and average speeds to be forwarded on request. Andy.raynor@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 2. Trafic calming and speed limits in Burton? The Council follows national guidance and best practice in implementing trafic calming measures and setting of speed limits. New guidance on reducing speed limits however is due to be published from Government shortly. Traffic calming measures are prioritised to areas where KSI (killed or seriously injured) figures are highest and where excessive speeding has been identified. A number of measures have been put in place in Burton to address trafic concerns. These measures are considered proportional to the trafic problems. The new 40mph speed limit and extension of the 30mph limit have been introduced on Neston Road. 3. A lot of HGV trafic in Burton? Unfortunately Satellite navigation systems often direct drivers through short cuts/ alternative routes such as villages. 4. How much would it cost to change speed limits to 20mph? To publish the change of speed order will cost around £2000. The costs of signage, engineering works etc will vary depending on the scheme but could amount to tens of £1000's. The Council has guidance and the decision is based on an economic assessment tool. Police guidelines on 20mph speed limit suggest this should not be set in isolation but seen as part of a package of wider interventions. Evidence of collisions and fatalities also need to be taken into account before reducing speed limits to 20mph are considered. ACPO guidance does NOT support 20mph speed limits without physical measures where average speeds are over 24mph therefore at this time 20mph speed limit in Burton would not be supported by the Police. 5. What is the cost of Speed bumps? One individual speed cushion costs approximately £500 and where installed cushions are provided in pairs. A full width table costs approximately £3000. Measures are not provided in isolation. 6. Overgrown pathways and pedestrian safety. Warning signs "Pedestrians in Carriageway "can be provided. In response to requests from residents for improved pedestrian safety, measures taken so far include the renewal and resurfacing of the stretch of footway between the two access points to Burton Manor which will be carried out in early December, the visibility problems at the Puddington lane junction with proposals to improve sightlines and the reduction to the speed limit on Neston Road which is currently underway. 7. What are the laws relating to parking on road to slow traffic down? This is permitted as long as the parked car is not causing an obstruction or a danger to other road users. 8. Can the sign be changed at the Rake from T junction to crossroads? Yes the sign can be changed. It was highlighted that residents are responsible for hedges obstructing signs growing from private property. 9. How long before the village can have a camera? National guidance highlights that evidence of excessive speeding and serious collisions need to be demonstrated if this measure is to be considered. 10. How many people have been prosecuted for speeding? Community Speed watch does not enforce but educates. A high % of people speeding have been identified as living in Burton and surrounding villages. 11. Any plans for reducing speed at Denhall and Station Road? No, stays at as national speed limit.

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