Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood Services which provided details of a proposed road traffic order concerning speed limits in and around the Bearpark area (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Strategic Highways Manager informed the Committee that the scheme had been devised following numerous requests from various sources to investigate the possibility of amending the speed limits on the C17 and C18 to accord with the character and environment of the road and to enhance compliance and enforcement of speed limits.  The Council had reviewed the roads with Durham Constabulary and consent had been sought to implement 40mph buffer zones.

Councillor Turnbull informed the Committee that he was not opposed to the scheme generally, however, he expressed his serious concerns in relation to the proposed increase of the speed limit (from 30mph to 40mph) on the C17 leading down to Whitehouse Lane, Ushaw Moor. Councillor Turnbull informed the Committee that the road lead into an existing housing estate and was the main point of access for transport and pupils attending Durham Community Business College.

Councillor Wilkinson, local member for the area supported the views made by Councillor Turnbull and agreed in principle with the scheme with the exception of the proposed 40mph speed limit from from the C17 leading down Whitehouse Lane. Councillor Wilkinson expressed concerns about public safety and the close vicinity of the local comprehensive school.

Councillor Wilkes, local member for the Bearpark area commented that he had been pushing for some of the proposed changes detailed in the report, not specifically the section that Councillors Turnbull and Wilkinson had referred to.  Councillor Wilkes suggested that the overall proposal would make the road much safer for pedestrians and other road users.

The Strategic Highways Manager informed the Committee that there was no expectation that vehicle speeds would increase by the introduction of 40mph speed limit at the location referred to by Councillors Turnbull and Wilkinson and was being proposed in accordance with guidance.  The Committee were assured that signage would be provided and the 40mph limit would provide motorists with two opportunities to reduce from the national speed limit.

The Committee then heard representations from a spokesperson of Durham University.  They were supportive of the review of the speed limit but had reservations about certain sections of the speed limit, with particular reference to the Durham University Cycling Club who used the road regularly.  They queried elements of the proposals where speed limits were being increased from 30mph to 40mph, when the average speed at the point in question was 37mph.  The University could see no reason for an increase of the speed limit at certain locations and referred to the new Department of Transport Circular 01/2013 which stated that consideration should be given to the rural setting and vulnerable road users.  It was considered that cyclists using a nearby cycle path and other recreational users had not been taken into consideration.

The Strategic Highways Manager also referred to representations made by a local resident and volunteer ranger for SUSTRANS who had submitted a written representation relating to the issue. The objections raised were similar to those made by Durham University where the proposal was to increase the speed limit from 30mph to 40mph upto the edge of Bearpark.  Concern was expressed that an increase of the speed limit would make crossing route 14 of the National Cycle Network more dangerous and discourage the use of the cycle route.  Views had also been expressed about potentially better compliance and enforcement with a 30mph speed limit on the whole section of the road which would make the road safer for everyone.

The Assistant Traffic Engineer informed the Committee that enhanced road markings would be used to encourage motorists to decrease speed earlier on the particular stretch of road in question.  An explanation was also provided to the Committee about research into driver habits and a reassurance was given that the proposals did accord with the relevant criteria and vulnerable road users had been taken into account.

Councillor Naylor referred to the earlier issues raised by Councillor Turnbull and asked if anything could be done to resolve the issue.

The Strategic Highways Manager informed the Committee that the scheme could be implemented as per the report and appropriate review of effectiveness could be undertaken.  Councillor Turnbull clarified that he did not object to the scheme, but wished to see further discussions take place in relation to Whitehouse Lane and could not support the scheme without any such discussion.

Upon a vote being take it was

Resolved

That the recommendation contained in the report be agreed and that a review of the effectiveness of the scheme be undertaken in due course.