The report of the Strategic Director, Regeneration, (Document “J”) sought approval for a programme of Safer Roads Schemes for the Keighley area for the 2016/17 financial year.

The report revealed the total budget for the Bradford district for the 2016-17 financial year was £825,000.  The split between the five constituencies was determined based on the 2011 census population figures and resulted in a total budget of £153,450 for the Keighley Area.  The apportionment of that allocation was £110,000 for Casualty Reduction Schemes (detailed at Appendix 2- Priority List - to Document “J”) and £43,450 for other community priority schemes (listed in Appendix 3) as resolved by the Executive on 16 April 2013

Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) statistics on the A65 Leeds Road were discussed.   A view that those injuries occurred because of site lines and parking issues as opposed to speed was expressed.  It was acknowledged that it may seem inappropriate for that stretch of road to have speed restrictions of 20mph, however, the poor site lines, parking issues and proximity of a local school had been the rationale for that restriction.

Members raised concern about the impact on site lines because of residents parking on pavements in that location and on Bolling Road.  

A delay to the implementation of Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) and lining improvements on Oakworth Road was questioned.  In response it was explained that issues due to increases in the connection charges had now been rectified.

It was questioned why Members had not been informed of a scheme at Moor Lane/Skipton Road and Silsden Road/Main Street Addingham.  It was explained that elected members would be informed prior to the parish councils.  A protocol was currently being drafted as to how parish councils would support Keighley Area Committee issues.  Members were assured that all schemes would be approved be made by area committees.

A ¾ mile queue of traffic, earlier that day, at Brook Street/New Brook Street on the A65 into Ilkley was reported.  It was explained that the issue could be addressed with the traffic lights being tweaked and the incident would be investigated.

Maintenance requirements for Vehicle Activated Signs were discussed and concerns raised that the Department of Transport funding did not provide for that maintenance.  It was questioned if the Committee should continue to approve the installation of those signs if funds for maintenance were not available. It was agreed that a discussion be facilitated with the Portfolio Holder, Regeneration, Planning and Transport, to investigate an alternative source of maintenance costs.

Resolved –

(1)       That the programme of Casualty Reduction Schemes for 2016/17 listed in the Priority List contained in Appendix 2 to Document “J” be approved.

(2)       That the proposed programme of Traffic Management Schemes for 2016/17 listed in Appendix 3 to Document “J” be approved.

(3)       That any Traffic Regulation Orders, or any legal procedures linked to the processing of traffic calming measures or pedestrian crossing facilities which are necessary to implement the chosen schemes be approved for processing and advertising subject to the scheme details being agreed with the local Ward Members.

(4)       That any valid objections to the advertised Traffic Regulation Orders, traffic calming or pedestrian facilities be submitted to this Area Committee for consideration or in the event of there being no valid objections the Traffic Regulation Orders be sealed and implemented and the traffic calming or pedestrian facilities be implemented as advertised.

(5)       That the Strategic Director, Regeneration, be requested to discuss with the Portfolio Holder, Regeneration, Planning and Transport, the on going maintenance costs of the Vehicular Activated Signs (VAS) in the district.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Environment and Waste Management

Action: Strategic Director, Regeneration