Agenda item

To consider an update report in respect of Road Safety and Cumwell Lane.

Simon Moss Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Transport, supported by Richard Jackson, Head of Highways, Andrew Lee, Service Manager for Traffic and Road Safety, and Matthew Reynolds, Head of Transportation Infrastructure, provided further information on the post-scheme appraisal of the road safety intervention measures approved for implementation along Kingsforth Lane and Cumwell Lane during the 2022/23 fiscal year, following concerns raised about the safety of road users.

Background information was provided on the road improvements following the two fatal collisions in the winter of 2021/22.  In May 2022 there was a petition presented requesting road safety improvements and then in the Summer of 2022 there were several improvement measures introduced on Kingsforth Lane and Cumwell Lane.

In December 2022 there was a further update to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board which recommended an update to this meeting post scheme improvements.

Following an annual evaluation of the improvements some speed surveys have been undertaken (details within the report) along with summaries of three collisions recorded. Based on the latest information available there was no indication that an Average Speed Camera system would have directly prevented the three collisions reported since 1st September 2022 given the recorded contributory factors.

Discussion ensued on the speed survey results and the apparent lack of confidence in the data and whether the improvements to date had had the desired effect for reducing speed.  Further information was available to indicate that there were updated methods for conducting speed surveys which were easier, simpler and much more cost effective and whether these would be used in in the future.

Representatives from Transportation were confident in the data analysis and the reporting of speed.  The reasons referred to were aimed at explaining why there were some increases in speeds in the early mornings or late at night and whether these were directly as a result of the new measures in place possibly giving confidence for some drivers. The roadworks in the area meant that measurements were not take from one site, but the service were always willing to improve the methods for collecting and evaluating data.

The after survey was undertaken in June, 2023 so it was suggested this be done again in February, 2024 to give a like-for-like comparison in terms of tube survey analysis industry standard and was probably right for this kind of location which were highlighted for specific risk.

Within the service’s suite of analytical tools it had a piece of software which used transponder data from cars giving more real-time information.  This was on a link basis over a longer and longer stretch. This was why it was important that a like-for-like comparison was undertaken.

In terms of why speeds may have increased the £150,000 interventions (which were a substantial part of the budget) which were put in place were about making the road conditions suitable for drivers. The improvements mean drives may be less likely to take risks and whilst there had been no huge reduction in speed, the accident record was showing that improvements were positive.

The service preferred to do a full appraisal on a road safety scheme, but data was usually taken over three years and not just one, so this was something that would be picked up as part of the usual activity around road safety statutory requirements across the borough.

Reference was made to the petition that had resulted in the referral to the Overview and Scrutiny Management board and what response had been sent to the lead petitioner.

Representatives from Transportation did not have the information and would provide the response in due course.

It was noted, however, the petition as submitted was calling for improvements following accidents in that area which resulted in substantial improvements being made in the summer of 2022 which were in the report.

The Commission also expressed their disappointment that data showed that despite the huge improvements in this area to reduce speed, speeds had not reduced that much and there was a slight increase in speeds later in the evening which was bizarre.  The reasons for this were not clear or determined and for this reason the decision to revisit the survey in February, 2024 was welcomed and not just going with industry standards, especially now further development was taking place on Cumwell Lane

Representatives from Transportation confirmed the February, 2024 count to ensure a like for like scenario and whilst speed did go up during the summer months, it was anticipated that the more inclement weather in February would slow drivers further.

The developments on Cumwell Lane had led to more measures being implemented with no waiting restrictions, a shared use pathway protecting pedestrians.  As part of  the general assessment of whether the scheme had achieved what it was aimed to do, the service would be doing the February survey and then also going back for the three-year analysis.  This would then be routinely picked up in day-to-day activity.

The Chair thanked Representatives from Transportation for the update on the measures carried out on this section of road.

Resolved:-  That the report be received and the measures implemented noted.