PAPER C

ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE SELECT COMMITTEE - 22 APRIL 2003

INVESTIGATION INTO INCREASE IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

To agree the process to be adopted by the Select Committee in undertaking its investigations into the increase in serious and fatal road traffic accidents on the Island.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

To formulate the scope of a review into the increase on serious and fatal road traffic accidents, including the list of key stakeholders.

BACKGROUND

The Select Committee considered the Annual Progress Report relating to the Local Transport Plan on 29 July 2002. It was noted by members that the number of people killed or seriously injured on Island roads had increased from 112 in 2000/01 to 132 on 2001/02. The target contained within the Local Transport Plan is for a reduction by 2005/06 to 98. The matter was also raised at the Select Committee’s Development Day on 18 February 2003. It was felt that the topic of Road Traffic Accidents should be a main focus within the Workplan for the Select Committee.

It is also interesting to note that the number of serious traffic accidents was voiced by Superintendent D Kilbride when he made a presentation to the Fire and Public Safety Select Committee, in January 2003, on Hampshire Constabulary’s Patrol Strategy.

The Road Safety Strategy will form part of the investigation and it is intended to take evidence from a range of organisations that become involved in serious and fatal road traffic accidents. It will look at a range of issues covering engineering, enforcement and education.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Council’s Local Transport Plan together with the draft Road Safety Strategy, referred to elsewhere on this agenda, are the key documents involved.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

The Select Committee could take evidence from the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, St Mary’s Hospital Trust, Coroner, Hants and IOW Safety Camera Partnership and Institute of Advanced Motorists.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

The revenue budget contains expenditure on traffic education and the capital budget shows schemes being undertaken specifically on road safety grounds.

A study of the causation of road traffic accidents should highlight any links with certain types of motoring offences ie drink driving, dangerous driving or speeding. If the number of serious accidents can be reduced then police officers will be more available to deal with more general crime and disorder issues.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

None

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Agenda and minutes of the Environment and Transport Select Committee on 29 July 2002.

Minutes of the Fire and Public Safety Select Committee on 13 January 2003.

Contact Point : Paul Thistlewood, ☎ 823285 e-mail [email protected]

                                                                              ALISTAIR DRAIN

                                                    Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support