Agenda item

(Item 11 – Report by Mid Kent Transportation Manager)

(1)       As part of the safety improvements proposed for A251 between Ashford and Faversham, a study was undertaken, which showed that a reduction of the speed limit through the villages of North Street, Badlesmere and Sheldwich from 50 mph to 40 mph and the sections between from 60 mph to 50 mph could be achieved. This was based upon speed surveys, which established the 85^th %ile speeds and the injury crash record.

(2)       In line with the latest Government guidance on the setting of speed limits (1/2006), the existing speed limits on all ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads would be reviewed during the next 5 years to ensure that those posted limits were still appropriate and met with the criteria.  If they failed to comply, they would be changed in accordance with the criteria. It was possible that some limits could be increased as well as reduced to comply with the requirements. The criteria for the latest guidance now used ‘mean’ speeds rather than the 85^th percentile in determining appropriate limits. In this particular case as the safety improvements for A251 were already in the Integrated Transport programme expectations had been raised that the scheme would happen and there was concern that to delay further, pending the full review of all A and B roads, would be unwelcomed by local residents, local members and the Parish Councils.

(3)       Table 1 of the report set out the mean speeds that were recorded as part of the speed assessment. This showed that the latest criteria could be met and justified the implementation of a 40 mph speed limit through the Villages shown.

(4)       A report outlining the need to set appropriate speed limits was presented to the July 2006 meeting of the Board and was approved. This was then the subject of a report to Swale JTB in September 2006.  The proposal to reduce the speed limits through the A251 was the subject of a separate report to this meeting of the Swale JTB.  It was explained that 30 mph limits through the above villages did not conform to the previous guidance (Government Guidance Note Circular 1/93), the latest guidance (circular 1/2006) or the resolution of HAB in respect of appropriate speed limits and that a 40 mph limit was the most appropriate.   The Police concurred with this view.  Members of Swale JTB recommended that a 30 mph speed limit through the above villages should be pursued.

(5)       In setting any limit both the Police and the County Council were seeking limits that fostered compliance and as much self-enforcement as possible. This could only be achieved if the criteria were strictly applied and that the majority of drivers ‘believe’ in the posted limit and understood why it was there. Speed limits were likely to be at their most effective where it reflected the local environment.

(6)       There was also a risk that by implementing an inappropriate limit, i.e. one that did not relate well to the ‘natural’ road environment, could encourage driver frustration, bunching, potential for shunts and overtaking manoeuvres which could serve to introduce a new safety problem and actually worsen the existing crash record rather  than reduce it.

(7)       Kent Police’s Senior Forensic Collision Investigator believed that setting inappropriate speed limits might ‘inadvertently encourage dangerous manoeuvres’, because if a large number of motorists failed to comply with the reduced limit, then they were more likely to try and overtake those in the minority who did. There was a risk of encouraging that particular manoeuvre if the road in question did not suit a lower speed limit which could lead to serious head on collisions. Such a situation arose on the A228 (administered by Medway Council). Although a different class of road, a lower limit was introduced against the wishes of the Police and the safety record worsened, rather than improved, as a result of the manoeuvres described.

(8)       The introduction of an inappropriate limit was likely to breed contempt, lack of compliance and lack of respect for the law and place undue pressure upon the Police.  Once there was a realisation among the local community as to the ineffectiveness of the limit, pressure was likely to be placed upon the County Council to introduce traffic calming measures.  This would have to take its place in the queue for funding and, alongside the necessary signing thus risks urbanisation of the countryside as well as increasing the financial burden upon the Authority, including the on-going maintenance costs.

(9)       Speed limits had to be appropriate to the local environment, existing traffic speeds and crash record if they were to bring any benefit in terms of improved road safety. It was therefore paramount that we dealt with actual problems rather than the perception of a problem.  The views of the Police were paramount in this regard.

(10)     The Board supported the proposal for recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste that a 40 mph speed limit be introduced on the A251 through the villages of North Street, Badlesmere and Sheldwich with a 50 mph speed limit for the remainder of the road.