ryde one way traffic

PURPOSE

1. To approve the Isle of Wight Council (Various Streets, Ryde, IW) (One Way Traffic) Order No1 2003.

BACKGROUND

2. An Order to introduce a One-Way system in Albert Street, Prince Street, South Street, Surrey Street and Well Street Ryde was advertised during March 2003 and the following representations have been received.

STRATEGIC CONTEXT

3. The recommended Orders will contribute to the delivery of targets under Theme 1 of the Community Strategy (Guaranteeing the quality of life and sustainability) and particularly targets 1.24, to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents by 40% by the year 2010 and 1.41, to cut the number of short car journeys.

CONSULTATION

4. Consultation has been undertaken in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, and the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England & Wales) Regulations 1996.

Copies of representations received during the statutory consultation period are attached to this report.

Extensive consultation has been undertaken with the residents of the area following both a public meeting in October 2001 and four further letter drops.

FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS

5. The costs associated with the introduction of the proposed Order have been identified, and are to be covered as part of the Highways capital allocation for the Ryde Traffic Quite Cells scheme.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

6. The relevant powers are contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1994, as amended. The procedure for introducing Traffic Regulation Orders is set out in the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England & Wales) Regulations 1996.

In so far as the imposition of restrictions on road use represent restrictions of the human rights of individuals under Article 8 and Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights, those restrictions are proportionate to the legitimate objective of enhancing the ability of other road users to safely exercise their rights to pass and re-pass along the highway.

The recommended Traffic Regulation Orders are, in part, designed to increase road safety by reducing both the incidents of traffic crime and consequences to other road users of traffic crime. The recommendations are made with regard to the duty to reduce incidents of crime and disorder contained within s17 Crime and disorder Act 1998. However consideration needs to be given to some of the objections raised by residents. Vehicle speed is likely to increase when on-street parking is removed and where appropriate, traffic calming measures may address this. Consideration should also be given to the impact on surrounding roads, as displacement of parking is likely. If natural surveillance or street lighting is not to the same standard this may result in a higher level of vehicle crime, or a reduction of vehicle crime if natural surveillance and or street lighting is improved.

SUMMARY

7. An Order to introduce a one-way system in Albert Street, Prince Street, South Street, Surrey Street and Well Street, Ryde was advertised during March 2003 and the following representations have been received.

Albert Street- One way

In a north to south direction, from its junction with St Johns Road to its junction with South Street.

Prince Street – One Way

In a north to south direction from its junction with St Johns Road to its junction with Well Street.

South Street – One way

In an east to west direction from its junction with Albert Street to its junction with Prince Street

Surrey Street - One Way

In a south to north direction from its junction with St Johns Road to a point 10 metres south thereof.

Well Street – One Way

In a west to east direction from its junction with Prince Street to its junction with Quarry Road.

Three letters of objection have been received. One is from the resident of 73 St Johns Road, who feels that the proposed restriction in Surrey Street will result in an increased risk of collision where his vehicular access joins the public highway as a result of drivers failing to acknowledge the “NO ENTRY” signs at the junction of St Johns Road. He feels that that there is no need to introduce the proposed Order as the primary road safety problem is in St Johns Road and has been addressed by the introduction of the fixed speed camera.

Surrey Street J/O St Johns Road.

Surrey Street J/O St Johns Road

The remaining objections refer to the fact that the proposed Order will restrict access through the area and cut off a valuable rat run.

Well Street (Eastbound) – J/O Prince Street

EVALUATION / RISK MANAGEMENT

8. The proposed restriction was advertised as part of the Ryde St Johns, Traffic Quiet Cells scheme and has been devised following extensive consultation with the residents of the area. Four letter drops have been undertaken between October 2001 and January 2003, with a public meeting, to discuss the detail of the proposals, at Dover-Park Primary School in October 2001.

The scheme has been designed to reduce the level of rat running traffic, improve road safety, and enhance the general environment in the area. It is proposed to introduce a range of “Buildouts” and vertical traffic calming, which in conjunction with the One-Way arrangements will achieve the primary objectives of the scheme. Changes to the existing parking restrictions will deliver a net gain in the number of on street parking spaces, which combined with the introduction of a number of additional off street space with greatly improve the ability for residents to park.

The direction of the proposed One Way restrictions has been determined following a detailed analysis of the accident data and the available visibility at the junction of St Johns Road

Although rat-running vehicles are actively discouraged from using the area, access can be achieved throughout.

Although concerns have been expressed regarding the compliance of the proposed Orders an appropriate level of enforcement will be undertaken, should there prove to be a need to do so, however one way traffic orders are generally well observed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the restriction is implemented as advertised.