PAPER E

ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE - 30 JANUARY 2003

SPEED LIMIT POLICY

HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

The Select Committee has indicated a wish to review the Council’s policy for the implementation of speed limits.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

To establish a process for the review of the Council’s policy on the implementation of speed limits.

BACKGROUND

The Council’s existing policy regarding speed limits was agreed by the Roads and Transportation Committee on 12 March 1999 (A copy of this is attached). This was based upon the guidance contained in Circular Roads 1/93.

Two amendments have been made to this to reflect procedural changes. As the result of the modernisation process the relevant Director has been given delegated powers to approve the advertisement of any draft proposal. Any objections received in respect of an advertised order is considered by the Regulatory Appeals Committee. Additionally speed limits of less than 30mph no longer have to be approved by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Since the Department of Transport released the circular in 1993 there have been a number of changes introduced through Regulations and Guidance for Road Humps, Traffic Calming, 20mph Zones, Home Zones and Quiet Lanes which impact on speed limits and how and where they should be introduced.

I have been advised by the Head of Engineering Services that a speed management strategy is to be included within the new Road Safety Strategy which is soon to be finalised. The speed management strategy is a new approach to determining appropriate speed limits and should be more flexible and reflect public expectations.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

As indicated above a new Road Safety Strategy is being formulated. This will be presented to the Select Committee prior to a wider consultation process.

There are targets within the Local Transport Plan in relation to reducing the number killed or seriously injured, number of under 15's killed or seriously injured and number of slight casualties on Island roads. As reported to the Select Committee on 30 October 2002 the target for reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured is currently not being achieved. There is, at present, no detailed information which would correlate accidents with speed. Inappropriate speed is however a contributing factor in approximately 33% of collisions involving personal injury.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

The Select Committee could identify relevant stakeholders that it would wish to seek evidence from in reviewing the policy on speed limits.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

There are costs associated with the implementation of any speed limit, particularly if this is part of a larger traffic management scheme involving engineering works.

Speed limits have to be covered by a traffic regulation order and the procedures for these are laid down in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The Police are responsible for enforcement.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

Appendix 1 - Speed Limit Policy from March 1999.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Roads and Transportation Committee agenda and minutes of 12 March 1999.

Environment and Transport Select Committee agenda and minutes of 30 October 2002.

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

                                                                              ALISTAIR DRAIN

                                                    Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support