Previous reference: Minute 10 (2018/2019)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place, (Document “B”) provides an update on current casualty levels and trends in the Bradford District and on the Road Safety Education, Training and Publicity Initiatives aimed at reducing casualties.

Recommended –

That the support to evidence based approach to determining Road Safety Priorities be continued.

 (Sue Snoddy – 01274 437409)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place, (Document “B”) provided Members with an update on current casualty levels and trends in the Bradford District and on the Road Safety Education, Training and Publicity Initiatives aimed at reducing casualties.

Members were reminded that a report on proposals for the devolution of Road Safety funding was considered by the Area Committees in 2012. Members had resolved, at that time, to support an evidence based approach to determine Road Safety priorities. It had also been resolved to present an annual ‘State of the Nation’ style report detailing casualty numbers/trends and details of on-going and proposed road safety education, training and publicity initiatives to the Area Committees.  Document “B” provided that update report.

It was explained that Appendix 1 to Document “B” reported road casualties in the Bradford District between 2012 and 2018 and not 2013 as had been mistakenly stated on page 15 of the report. 

The rise in the number of serious incidents in 2017 was discussed and it was explained that an in depth examination of the statistics would be required to determine the rationale for that increase.

It was questioned why the number of fatalities had increased in 2018 and it was explained there that had been a multiple car accident during that period.  The figures were similar across the West Yorkshire region and when the serious and fatal categories were combined the figure had reduced. 

Members were assured that in 2018 there was an overall decrease in casualties in the Bradford District and the long term downward trend had been maintained.

The second appendix reported the Road Safety, Education and Training Programmes provided since August 2018.  It was explained that the Road Safety Team was a small team and engaged with schools providing a three tier district wide service. The first tier targeted schools which were in the top eight wards with the highest child casualties.  The second tier was the delivery of presentations by the team which were booked on a first come first served bases.  The third tier was the provision of resources and information for all schools which did not need a road safety officer to deliver.  The third Appendix listed school engagement by ward and advised Members of the schools participating in sessions offered; the priority schools which were not participating in sessions offered and other schools not participating in sessions offered.  In response to questions it was confirmed that the schools were categorised by ward and child casualties. 

The location of Ashlands Primary School, on the busy A65 road, was discussed and whilst it was confirmed that the category of roads on which schools were located was not a determining factor in them receiving priority it was reiterated that any school could request to receive education and training.  The concerns about schools which were located on busy roads were acknowledged and it was confirmed that Ashlands Primary School had participated in the initiatives offered to schools.  

Concern was raised that Moorfield School,  also located on a bend in the road, did not appear to be involved.  It was agreed to add that school to the list for contact.  It was questioned if it was mainly faith schools which were not participating in the initiatives offered and assurances were provided that the query would be investigated.

Members questioned why Keighley College, which had been categorised as a priority, had not been involved in the programme and it was explained that consideration was being given to the types of appropriate engagement which could be provided.  Theatre in Education, which delivered training on pedestrian distractions together with initiatives with the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, were being considered.

The lack of participation with Stanbury Primary School was raised and it was agreed to investigate the issue further.  It was confirmed that the school had previously participated in the programme.

It was questioned why Sacred Heart, Ghyll Royd and Westfield House schools in the Ilkley Ward did not appear to be engaged.  In response it was reported that Ghyll Royd and Sacred Heart had previously worked with the team and it was agreed that their non participation would be investigated.  Westfield House School was located in North Yorkshire and Members were assured that discussions were held with North Yorkshire colleagues about cross border schools.

Whilst discussing pedal cycling statistics a view that the cycle lanes in the Keighley district were the worst in the area was expressed.  The lack of separate lanes and the use of white lines in the road to separate cyclists from motorists was criticised.  It was questioned if those concerns would be addressed and, in response, it was explained that the cycle lanes were the responsibility of the Highways team.  Members suggested that it would be useful to have a future report on cycle lanes.

The development of a ‘Safe Pass’ initiative was reported and it was explained that Highways officers were working with West Yorkshire Police on an initiative to monitor and stop drivers who drove too close to cyclists.  Those drivers would be given the opportunity to attend training sessions or receive a fine. 

A Member requested that the statistical information contained in the Document “B” be provided on an individual ward basis and it was agreed that the information would be circulated to Members in that format.  

Resolved –

That the support to evidence based approach to determining Road Safety Priorities be continued.

Action:  Strategic Director, Place