Minutes:
A short Presentation was given by the Head of Traffic and Road Safety on key aspects of the Council’s road safety work with partners at the Metropolitan Police. This was followed by a longer Presentation from Chief Inspector Nick Hancock and Sergeant Rob Philip on the role of the Metropolitan Police Traffic Unit for South East London (CO15) concerning traffic enforcement.
Points from Chief Inspector Hancock’s presentation included the following:
On the way forward Chief Inspector Hancock also expanded on points highlighted in his presentation. This included:
Chief Inspector Hancock also highlighted an open day at the Warren on 20th August 2011.
Sergeant Rob Philip had responsibility for working with Bromley and he expanded on points highlighted at the end of the presentation. These included the following comments:
Councillor George Taylor was pleased to hear of a Police emphasis on partnership and enquired about (i) staffing resources that were available to Chief Inspector Hancock for the seven London boroughs under his command; (ii) how those resources were allocated between boroughs and (iii) the trend on resources in the next few years. In response the Chief Inspector explained that overall there was a deployable asset of about 200 officers. There was a focus on where recent fatal collisions had occurred to provide high visibility activity; intelligence led policing was also undertaken in an attempt to move away from habitual locations. On the future of traffic policing, staff resources had been reduced elsewhere with some being absorbed into mainstream policing.
Councillor Reg Adams enquired about the availability of speed awareness courses in London. Chief Inspector Hancock confirmed that there was no centre for speed awareness courses in London. The Metropolitan Police did not offer alternatives to speed prosecutions although there was an intention to bring in such courses – this was currently in the work stream and there was a desire to educate on driver behaviour. Something similar was currently undertaken for vehicle defects.
Councillor Grainger highlighted that the number of KSIs had reduced and he felt that a time was approaching where numbers would get so low that it would be difficult to identify causes and treatments. There was possibly a case for spending less money on more locations and Councillor Grainger questioned whether there was still scope for large engineering projects.
Chief Inspector Hancock explained that engineering had a role – there were less expensive engineering options and he indicated that a 20mph restriction could be appropriate in certain areas. He also indicated that Bromley’s KSI figure could still be lower and the financial cost associated with fatal collisions could run into millions of pounds. Rather than being random, collisions resulted from a combination of errors both large and small. Some engineering options could influence driving behaviour and speeding could typically drop for some four to six months after traffic officers were seen to be enforcing at a particular site. Motorists would often remember the location.
Chief Inspector Hancock explained that 5% of fatalities in Bromley were pedal cyclists and for inner London the figure would be higher. He also indicated that there is a variety of education to primary and secondary schools supplemented with specialist training.
Councillor Samaris Huntington-Thresher explained that there were clusters of near misses or errors at a number of locations and the police representatives were asked how such locations were monitored to prevent a future KSI accident. Chief Inspector Hancock referred to the SNT being the antenna for such clusters and referred to an example of working with a team in Lambeth; this resulted in offences such as no insurance were discovered during enforcement checks. Traffic Officers would be on site for enforcement checks for about two hours; Chief Inspector Hancock also referred to “Road Watch”.
Councillor David Hastings enquired about guidelines for the use of sirens on police vehicles. He was particularly concerned about officers using sirens when roads were clear. Chief Inspector Hancock explained that Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) guidelines referred to police vehicles using “warning equipment” – it was important for the police to arrive on time.
The Chairman asked whether the owners of unlicensed and uninsured vehicles caused a disproportionate amount of accidents involving KSI casualties. Chief Inspector Hancock referred to East London (Hackney) being the worst area for uninsured drivers.
The Chairman sought assurance that the Borough would receive its fair share of traffic policing. Chief Inspector Hancock referred to the deployment of officers to where there had been recent fatal collisions and areas with lower KSI numbers would see a lower proportion of traffic policing - traffic offers would be allotted to locations where they would have the greatest impact.
Councillor Grainger quoted statics showing a reduction in accidents by decade from 1980 and he suggested that it would be unrealistic to get much lower. The level was being approached where accidents would be occurring on a random basis and it seemed that it was now worth focusing on the totality of accidents. Chief Inspector Hancock commented that people wanted to feel safe on the road. He indicated that vehicle improvements provided a significant contribution towards casualty reduction and the vehicle scrappage scheme also helped to remove a number of old vehicles from the road. He advocated effort to improve further highlighting a desire not to be complacent.
Responding to a request from Councillor Taylor on clarifying achievements over recent years, The Head of Traffic and Road Safety indicated that it was not always possible to see a pattern for accidents. He also indicated that non- injury collisions were evidential. Less was now being spent on large schemes. The road safety service had been adapted in accordance with accidents. He explained that priorities had always been made on a cost/benefit basis and having the right balance between education and engineering. He also cautioned against complacency.
In concluding the Chairman thanked the police representatives referring to an interesting presentation and working closer together.