Agenda item

Concerns and suggestions raised at the meeting included the following:

·         Although there had been a reduction in the 85^th percentile speed of vehicles travelling along Copse Wood Way from 39mph/39mph in November 2014 to 37mph/34mph in March 2017, petitioners believed that the speed had started to increase again;

·         Petitioners expressed concern about the safety of petitioners trying to cross Copse Wood Way.  Seven Oaks Court provided sheltered housing for older people, many of whom had visual impairments or mobility issues (some as a result of a stroke).  These residents were finding it frightening and physically difficult to safely cross the road to the bus stop on the other side and several had fallen and been injured when trying to cross the road quickly in an attempt to avoid being hit by speeding vehicles.  Although there had not yet being any accidents involving residents from Seven Oaks Court, petitioners felt that it was only a matter of time before one did happen;

·         The Scheme Manager at Seven Oaks Court had undertaken a risk assessment, a hard copy of which was provided at the meeting;

·         It was noted that a crossing had been installed in Thirlmere Gardens to improve safety for residents crossing the road to the bus stop; and

·         Concern was expressed that cars travelled so fast along Copse Wood Way that it made it dangerous for residents to get their vehicles off their drives.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised.  He advised that the Council commissioned traffic surveys from an independent company and that the 85^th percentile was a standard form or reporting.  The survey equipment comprised rubber strips that needed to be secured to street furniture and would record the type, speed and time of vehicles passing over it 24/7 for the period that it was in place.  Usually, the Council would not commission surveys so soon after the last one (March 2017) but it was clear that residents were concerned that vehicle speed appeared to be increasing again and a fuller picture was needed.  Residents were asked to identify the most appropriate locations for the traffic survey equipment.  The Ward Councillors would also be asked for their views regarding other locations for a traffic survey in the vicinity.

Subject to the outcome of the traffic survey, consideration would then be given to other measures that could be put in place to slow traffic and alleviate residents' fears.  It was noted that the road safety programme element of recommendation three would include investigations into a safe crossing point but that this would need to be located in a place with clear sight lines to ensure that it passed a safety audit. 

Once the survey results had been analysed, if further work was to be undertaken, residents would be consulted.

RESOLVED:  Meeting with the petitioners, the Cabinet Member:

1.            listened to their concerns with excessive traffic speed in Copse Wood Way.

2.            asked officers to undertake traffic surveys, at locations agreed by the petitioners, and to then report back to the Cabinet Member.

3.            subject to the survey data generated as a consequence of (2), considered adding Copse Wood Way to the Vehicle Activated Signs programme and instructing officers to investigate other possible options under the Council's Road Safety Programme.

Reasons for recommendations

The Petition Hearing will provide a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the petitioners of their concerns and suggestions. 

Alternative options considered / risk management 

None at this stage.