Agenda item

(i)              Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships.

(ii)             Presentation by the Head of Technical Services and the Traffic Asset Manager, Regeneration and Local Services.

The Chairman introduced the Head of Technical Services, John Reed and the Traffic Asset Manager, Keith Jameson who were in attendance to give an update presentation in relation to Schools 20mph Part-Time Speed Limits Project (for copy see file of minutes).

The Head of Technical Services noted that following the successful work of Technical Services and Overview and Scrutiny, an update would be provided to Committee on the progress with the project.  Members were reminded that Cabinet had considered an update report on the project at its meeting held 14 December 2016 with information as regards Phase 2 schemes in 2016/17, the revised “prioritisation methodology”, used to select a further 33 schools over the next 2 years, and the potential to add further schools, now or in the future, should funding be secured from schools, Town/Parish Councils, AAPs or Member budgets.  The Head of Technical Services noted that the report was well received by Cabinet and as the schemes were very popular with Members, it was important to have a fair, clear and transparent methodology in place.

The Traffic Asset Manager referred Members to the list of Phase 2 schemes for 2016/17, 15 in total, and added that there were also 4, 20mph schemes being brought forward for areas within housing estates.  The Head of Technical Services noted that the policy was such to allow a degree of flexibility so than where demand was evidenced, and funding could be secured, then the Council could look to implement a scheme.

The Traffic Asset Manager noted Phase 2 was almost completed, with 2 schemes requiring some works to enable power for signage.  It was added that work was continuing with designs for the next Phase and Members were referred to tables setting out Phase 3 and Phase 4 schools, noting a good geographic spread across the County and a mix of Primary and Secondary schools. 

Members noted estimated dates for schemes and Members were asked to note that experience with Phase 1 and 2 schemes provided some confidence with those estimates.  It was explained that in terms of design and consultation the same delivery principles as Phases 1 and 2 were being used, with the designs for Phase 3 scheme having already commenced.  It was added that proposals would be discussed with Durham Constabulary and then with stakeholders including Elected Members, Head Teachers and Town and Parish Councils.

The Head of Technical Services noted that there had been a lot of engagement work carried out and it had been agreed it would not just be the placement of signage, rather a package would be delivered in order to try to change behaviours, including: competitions in schools; the Junior Road Safety Officer Scheme; Drama Productions; School Newspapers; Road Safety Training; and other activities to encourage good practise.  It was added that an evaluation process had been undertaken, with Durham University providing an independent assessment via their Centre for Health and Inequalities Research.  It was noted that overall the results were positive, with convincing support for the projects health and wellbeing outcomes.  It was added that due to the small sample size, it was too soon to be able to judge as regards impact upon road casualties and therefore this was not included within the evaluation objectives.

The Chairman thanked the Officers and noted the excellent work of the 20mph Working Group and Technical Services and Public Health.  The Chairman invited questions from the Committee.

Councillor N Martin noted he was a Governor at Neville’s Cross Primary School, an area where as scheme would be brought forward in December 2017 and asked whether given there was now an objective methodology in place for choosing which schools should benefit from 20mph scheme, did it follow that the original method used was incorrect and also should the Council learn from the 20mph Working Group and take this approach going forward.  The Chairman noted that this highlighted the benefit of Member involvement in a process.  Councillor J Armstrong added that through the work of the Working Group and Officers it had been possible to double the amount of schemes that could be brought forward and he took the opportunity to thank all Members, Officers and Partners involved.  The Chairman added as regards the MJ Award for Governance and Scrutiny that the Authority had received.

Councillor J Turnbull noted that in terms of a 20mph scheme at Neville’s Cross, the traffic often was only travelling at around 8-14 mph, however he cited an example of St. Patricks School on the A690 where it was between 2 industrial estates and large vehicles travelled and there was no longer a School Crossing Patrol.  The Chairman noted discussions would not be as regards individual schemes, however Members could speak to the Officers after the meeting as regards their particular issues.

Councillor F Tinsley asked in practical terms what did the zone represent, an area of 100m.  The Traffic Asset Manager explained that in general it was 100m around each entrance to a school, with signage indicating “When lights flash… 20mph limit”.  It was reiterated that they were a Part-Time Advisory Limit, and therefore the social aspect in terms of each school was an important element and Officers worked with Head Teachers in this respect.

Councillor T Nearney asked as regards how the consultations worked and what the timescales would be on these.  The Traffic Asset Manager noted that Durham Constabulary would be consulted first as regards any concerns they may have to a scheme and then Head Teachers and Governors at a school, followed by Town and Parish Councils and the wider general public.

Resolved:   

(i)              That the report and presentation be noted.

(ii)             That a further update report be provided to the Committee in 12 months’ time.