Post Scrutiny - Executive Response

1. That consideration be given to the introduction of proactive traffic calming measures, for example, in residential or town centre areas, as opposed to introducing traffic calming measures retrospectively after incidents/accidents have occurred.

A proactive approach to the introduction of traffic calming was introduced in 2001/2002 in locations where a high potential for accidents involving vulnerable people exists. Currently primary school frontages and the surrounding residential catchments are being targeted. Once all primary schools have been addressed the initiative will be extended to cover other schools.

2. That where possible, consideration be given to the purchase of new speed camera housing units constructed from fireproof materials.

The Mark 11 Watchman units are being introduced around the Borough this year have been designed to minimise the risk of damage caused by fire.

3. That the signs informing drivers of physical traffic calming measures, such as road humps, chicanes etc., are clear, easily understood and recognisable.

All newly established signage associated with traffic calming schemes is introduced in compliance with the appropriate DfT guidance which should be sufficiently clear and understandable.

4. That Town Managers, Chairs and Deputy Chairs of District Assemblies are offered a more detailed input into the strategic decisions regarding future traffic calming and vehicle speed management schemes within their areas.

District Assembly Chairs are currently invited to a meeting at the beginning of each year to discuss the proposed programme for the year. They are specifically asked to invite any other Members they consider appropriate. The Cabinet Deputy will invite in future all Members together with the appropriate Town Managers personally.

5. That the purpose and provision of Traffic Regulation Orders should contain clear and concise instructions to assist with their enforcement.

A review of al Traffic Regulation orders is currently underway in connection with the introduction of decriminalised parking. Part of this exercise involved renewing (where appropriate) the associated lines and signs. This exercise should give the clarity requested.

6. That the feasibility of further delegation of centrally held budget provision be considered, to enable District assemblies to implement smaller, non-strategic traffic calming measures, using existing rational criteria to ensure that resources are most effectively used.

It is considered important to co-ordinate the implementation of traffic calming across the Borough in order to establish a consistency of approach and maximise the accident reduction potential linked to the Council's PSA. Recommendation 4 above, which is being adopted, will provide the DA Members with appropriate opportunity to influence the programme.

7. That the Decriminalisation of parking measures be welcomed and actively pursued on an entirely self-financing basis.

The procedure required to introduce Decriminalised Parking is currently ongoing. Implementation is currently programmed for late 2003/4.

8. That, as part of the programme of physical traffic calming measures, all schemes be monitored including less recent measures, with a view to assessing their effectiveness in order that any problems can be rectified.

A monitoring process is now in place, which involves comparing vehicles speeds and accident numbers before and after the introduction of traffic calming measures.

9. That consideration be given to the better enforcement of town centre pedestrianised areas.

Discussions will be held with the Police to improve enforcement of moving violations. Greater use of the Council's Patrollers Service will also be investigated.

11. That all ward councillors be strongly encouraged to attend consultation meetings with the Cabinet Deputy for Technical Services and the Head of Engineering, in order that their input and ideas can be considered.

All appropriate Elected Members and Town Managers will be invited to consultation meetings by letter.

12. That consideration be given to the use of temporary, removable traffic obstacles such as concrete blocks, as a measure for testing traffic calming methods before they are permanently installed.

A pilot scheme will be identified and the proposal trialled.

13. That consideration be given to the establishment of a Sustainability Programme to maintain existing markings.

A full review of the revenue implications of lining and signed within the Borough will be undertaken as part of the decriminalised parking initiative.

14. That consideration be given to the introduction of more traffic lights as an effective way of traffic calming, providing that there was firm evidence that this would be the most cost effective way of using a limited budget and would not add to environmental clutter and vehicle congestion.

The potential use of signal control will be added to the Council's "Took Kit" of traffic calming measures.