PAPER B

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

To take evidence from a number of key stakeholders involved in either dealing with the effects of road traffic accidents or issues related to road safety.

BACKGROUND

The Select Committee agreed, at its Development Day in February 2003, to undertake an investigation into the increase in serious and fatal road traffic accidents (from 112 in 2000/01 to 132 in 2001/02).

At its meeting on 22 April 2003 the Committee agreed that the scope of its review should be to :

           (i)        ascertain any trends in serious and fatal road traffic accidents.

           (ii)       ascertain whether the revenue and capital budgets are being utilised effectively to aid a reduction in road traffic accidents.

           (iii)       investigate joint initiatives with appropriate agencies to assist in the reduction of serious and fatal road traffic accidents.

To assist in the review it was decided to invite a number of key stakeholders. This is to gain a better overall view of the resources that are involved from various services in dealing with the effects of serious and fatal road traffic accidents, raise public awareness of the impact on public services and areas where specific action could be undertaken to assist in the promotion of traffic education leading to a reduction in Road Traffic Accidents.

The draft Road Safety Plan, which was endorsed for public consultation at the April 2003 meeting, contains a great deal of valuable information on road crash/injury trends. It is suggested that members bring their copy to the meeting.

It is proposed, at the time of writing this report, that evidence will be given by the following stakeholders :

           (i)        Police (Superintendent David Kilbride)

           (ii)       Fire and Rescue Service (Chief Fire Officer Richard Hards)

           (iii)       Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust (Mrs S Bounds)

           (iv)      Coroner (Mr John Matthews)

           (v)       Safety Camera Partnership (Dr Marion Sinclair)

           (vi)      Institute of Advances Motorists (Mrs Brenda Wilkins)

           (vii)      Motorcycle Club Training Scheme (Mr Ron Wallis)

Additionally the following topics will be covered by officers from the Council’s Engineering Services Section :

           (i)        Road Safety in Engineering Schemes - Phil Hayward (Operational Manager - Design)

           (ii)       Road Safety in Traffic Management Schemes - Peter Taylor (Traffic and Transportation Manager)

           (iii)       Traffic Education - Brian Crane (Principal Road Safety Officer)

It is intended to draw together all the key points from today in a report to the meeting on 24 June 2003. The Select Committee can then consider whether additional stakeholders should be invited to give evidence, additional information should be sought on specific key areas or appropriate recommendations can be forwarded to the Executive.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Council’s Local Transport Plan (LTP), together with the draft Road Safety Strategy, are the key documents involved. The LTP and other related documents and information are available on the Council’s web site at www.iwight.com/transport. The draft Road Safety Strategy can be accessed at www.iwight.com/council/committees/Mod-Environment/22-4-03/agenda.htm

CONSULTATION PROCESS

The Select Committee can decide on any further consultations in the light of evidence submitted by stakeholders at the meeting.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

The Council’s revenue budget contains expenditure on traffic education and the capital budget indicates schemes being undertaken.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

None.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Agenda and minutes of the Environment and Transport Select Committee held on 22 April 2003.

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

                                                                              ALISTAIR DRAIN

                                                    Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support