Agenda item

ES20134

The update on this report was presented by the Assistant Director for Traffic and Parking and the Traffic Engineering Manager. (TEM)

The TEM informed Members that the primary aim of the project was to improve the walking facilities for pedestrians. There was reference to a previous fatality on this road which occurred in 2019; it was noted however that this was not caused by a defect of the road layout, but rather driver error. One of the ways in which pedestrian safety would be improved was the incorporation of new traffic islands, the introduction of tactile crossing points and the consideration of reducing the speed limit.

The Chairman pointed out that the relevant Ward Councillors had not been party to the consultation process for the project. The TEM informed Members that Officers had been involved in extensive discussions with the Portfolio Holder regarding this and they presumed that the Portfolio Holder would have informed Ward Councillors.

A Member who knew the area well raised concerns regarding speeding. She said that the variations in the speed limit along this stretch of road were confusing for motorists and asked for a more regulated approach to be adopted as far as speed limits were concerned.

A Member expressed the view that the new road layout would improve pedestrian safety. He suggested that the speed limit be regulated at 40mph. Another Member suggested that the speed limit should be 30mph and the installation of traffic cameras along the A224. He noted that the view had been expressed previously that reducing the speed limit to 30mph on Court Road would lead to motorists leaving the road and using side roads as rat runs. He said that after looking at a map of the area this would not be a viable option for motorists. 

A discussion took place as to how traffic flowed between Carlton Parade and the A20 and ‘rat runs’. The Portfolio Holder expressed concern regarding potential ‘rat runs’.  He suggested an advisory speed limit of 30 miles an hour could be considered, but he was anxious to maintain a reasonable speed limit so that traffic would not divert from the bypass to the side roads.

Councillor Samaris Huntington Thresher was not able to attend the meeting but submitted the following comment via email:

‘I would like to note my support for the reduced speed limit to 30mph between The Highway and Goddington Lane and also the increase number of desire line crossing points with midway islands. 

The road is very wide here and a narrowing of the carriageway particularly by Charterhouse and the ability to wait safely for those turning right from it would be helpful’.

RESOLVED that

1) The Council carry out an informal consultation, detailed design and Road Safety Audits.

2) The scheme should be implemented subject to a positive response from the Consultation.

3) The results of the Consultation would come back to the Committee for scrutiny.

4) Any minor design changes that were required to the scheme should be delegated to the Director of Environment and Public Protection for Authorisation.