The report of the Strategic Director, Place, (Document “D”) seeks approval for a programme of Safer Roads Schemes for the Keighley area for the 2017/18 financial year.

Recommended –

(1)       That the programme of Casualty Reduction Schemes for 2017/18 listed in the Priority List contained in Appendix 2 to Document “D” be approved.

(2)       That the proposed programme of Traffic Management Schemes for 2017/18 listed in Appendix 3 to Document “D” 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.

(Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

                                                                         (Simon D’Vali – 01274 431000)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place,  (Document “D”) sought approval for a programme of Safer Roads Schemes for the Keighley area for the 2017/18 financial year.

The report revealed that the authority was performing well in terms of casualty reduction and were leaders in the West Yorkshire area. 

Members questioned the definition of ‘proposed traffic measures’ contained in Appendix 2 to the report.  It was explained that detailed analysis had not yet been undertaken on those schemes so the appropriate measures were, as yet, undecided.

The inclusion of Park Lane in the schemes recommended for approval for 2017/18 was discussed.  A view was expressed that Glen Lee Lane required traffic measure more urgently those other proposals. In response it was explained that Glen Lee Lane had been examined previously but it had not been considered that issues in that location were speed related. It was acknowledged that there were access issues with large vehicles using the narrow road but it was felt that, given the level of traffic and large vehicles, traffic calming would be untenable for residents.

Measures required at Ingrow Lane were raised and it was explained that it would be difficult to install a footpath without restricting the area to one way traffic.  It was agreed to discuss that issue with the Member concerned after the meeting.

Issues regarding speeding traffic at the Jacobs Well roundabout in Bradford were raised.  It was explained that there had been no accidents in that area but it was acknowledged that traffic did exceed speed limits in that area and the problem was being investigated.

Members questioned the measures which could be implemented to reduce accidents in the Alice Street/Lawkholme Lane area.  Concerns were expressed that this was an area with a great deal of pedestrian activity and cars were using the area to avoid the Cavendish Street/North Street junction.  In response it was explained that the issue had already been highlighted.  It was felt that some form of self enforcing speed measures were required as it was not possible to reduce the volume of traffic in that area.  The number and nature of accidents in that area was discussed and Members assured that the Council enforcement officers could be deployed together with increased police activity if that location was seen as a priority.  Members were advised that such measures could be implemented in any areas which Members felt warranted that action.   In response it was requested that the police be asked to enforce the box junction restrictions on North Street.

Members questioned the cost of carrying out traffic surveys and were advised that each survey would cost approximately £500 and that five days worth of data was collected each time.  It was requested that the surveys be ‘rationed’ between the wards in the district, however, it was explained that the request could be difficult to implement.

A Member pointed out that a resident representing a number of residents on Glen Lane was in attendance.  It was felt that, of the four schemes contained in the summary of outstanding viable requests for traffic measures, Glen Lee Lane had enormous merit for a 20mph zone.  It was stressed that traffic calming would not be appropriate at that location because of the gradient and bend in the road.  The view of residents was that the speed limit was currently 30 mph and traffic travelled at 40mph and if the limit was reduced to 20 mph motorists would probably drive at 30mph.  It was requested that the location be prioritised within the viable requests.  In response it was explained that for such limits to be imposed there had to be the confidence that those limits could be achieved or the police would not enforce the restrictions.

A Member referred to a previous petition to remove traffic calming on the Braithwaite Estate and it was explained that communication had been made with the residents involved.  The residents had been advised that it was not practical to remove the traffic calming measures as they were successful in reducing speed in the area.

The locations being targeted by Operation Steerside, a police and Council initiative to uphold standards on the road, were questioned.  It was explained that a meeting was being held with the police shortly and information about that scheme would be requested at that meeting.

Resolved –

(1)       That the programme of Casualty Reduction Schemes for 2017/18 listed in the Priority List contained in Appendix 2 to Document “D” be approved.

(2)       That the proposed programme of Traffic Management Schemes for 2017/18 listed in Appendix 3 to Document “D” 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.

Strategic Director, Place

(Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee)