Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood Services which provided details of a public consultation to the possibility of lowering the speed limit on the A690 between Gilesgate and Carville to 50mph (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Strategic Highways Manager made a presentation to the Committee which detailed the background to the consultation which had followed on from a previous consultation process regarding Kepier Crossing (for presentation see file of Minutes).

The Committee were informed that a number of improvements at Kepier crossing which comprised of the installation of reflective bollards, cutting back of foliage and new signage which had improved visibility.

Councillor Thomson, local member for the area thanked the officers for their presentation and highlighted the following issues:

·         there had been numerous accidents not referred to in the report;

·         the bus lane was unlit and would soon be utilised soon by taxis and motorbikes;

·         there had been an increased number of buses utilising the bus lane with the relocation of the Arriva Bus Depot onto a nearby Industrial Estate;

·         cited a number of road safety related issues associated with a nearby caravan park located to the west of Carville intersection which often resulted in traffic stopping in the central reservation.

Councillor Thomson agreed that the signage and cutting back of foliage had greatly improved the crossing point and queried the cost of £100,000 detailed in the report and that a breakdown of those figures be provided to him.  In summing up, Councillor Thomson felt that a 50mph speed limit would be enforceable and more appropriate.  He added that the two local county councillors along with Belmont Parish Council were in favour of a reduced speed limit and wished to see no further facilities on the stretch of road.

Councillor Wilkes commented that there had been definite improvement with the works undertaken in the area, however, there still appeared to be difficulties with visibility and suggested that the foliage be cut back further.  Councillor Wilkes also suggested that a reduced speed limit would bring a number of other benefits to the area, particularly in terms of driver and pedestrian safety, reduction of noise pollution to local houses and would provide an overall, more balanced speed limit.

The Strategic Highways Manager informed the Committee that Durham Constabulary had responded to the proposals and their view was that the current speed limit reflected the correct level of speed for the road in accordance with the Department for Transport guidelines.

Councillor Arthur shared Councillor Wilkes’ concerns about the foliage but expressed concern that during the spring and summer months the foliage would become large and overgrown and would grow towards the roadside. In terms of the proposed speed reduction, Councillor Arthur accepted that a very tragic accident had occurred but felt that the current speed limit was appropriate for the road and should be unchanged. Councillor Arthur moved the recommendation contained in the report, provided a programme of maintenance could be incorporated into the recommendation.

Councillor Todd supported the comments made by Councillor Arthur and agreed to second the proposal, providing the additional works relating to foliage could be undertaken.

The Strategic Highways Manager acknowledged the foliage issues raised by Councillors Wilkes and Arthur and highlighted that a programme of cyclic maintenance should be carried out at the location to maintain a good level of visibility.

Councillor Bainbridge referred to the reduction of the speed limit at Chester Moor and felt that the stretch of the A690 was potentially more appropriate to have a 50mph speed limit in place given that there was a dedicated crossing and public right of way.

Councillor Wilkes commented that Councillors should not have to take into consideration whether or not the police could enforce a reduction in speed limit, the fact of the matter remained that if the Committee wished to endorse a reduction in speed limit then enforcement would be a matter for the police to undertake.  Councillor Wilkes moved a counter proposal that the speed limit should be reduced which was seconded by Councillor Thomson.

The Committee then heard from a local resident who explained that his partner travelled the route every morning to commute to work and often witnessed people crossing the road. Whilst she slowed down on seeing people cross the road, it was not unusual for other road users to increase their speed and overtake, which had resulted in a number of near misses for pedestrians.

Upon a vote being taken it was

Resolved

(i)            That the findings of the consultation be noted and that the existing speed limit be retained; and

(ii)          That the Strategic Highways Manager arrange for a programme of cyclic maintenance to be undertaken in the area to ensure that foliage was cut-back to ensure optimum visibility at all times.