Decision details

8.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report containing the Council’s response to a petition, containing 12,571 signatures, requesting a controlled pedestrian crossing and speed restrictions on Normanton Hill and outlining actions taken so far and the road safety measures proposed.

8.2

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

the petitioners be thanked for bringing their concerns about this location to the attention of the Council;

(b)

officers inform the petitioners of the intention to install a signalised pedestrian crossing on Normanton Hill by the crossing point to Richmond Park; and

(c)

Cabinet notes the various actions taken to improve road safety and respond to public concerns at this location.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

The proposed road safety measures described in the report will contribute to an improvement in safety on Normanton Hill, in particular at the crossing point to Richmond Park.

8.3.2

Reducing the speed of traffic should reduce the number and severity of collisions and reduce the fear of collisions.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

This site is currently a location for a Speed Indication Device (smiley SID). It is Council policy to use these devices for a relatively short period of time and rotate them between other roads in the area, otherwise motorists become used to theme and they do not have the desired effect. The speed data from the SIDs at this location shows that average vehicle speeds of 39mph in the downhill direction which suggests that at this location such a measure is ineffective.

8.4.2

A traffic calming scheme could be considered. However, given existing speeds a localised traffic calming scheme could lead to a loss of control accidents. Therefore, it would probably be necessary to traffic calm the whole length of the road, linking the scheme with the existing measures located between Linley Lane and Coisley Hill. The cost of such a scheme along this length would be very expensive and it would be difficult to justify this, given the overall low collision rate along the length of Normanton Hill.

8.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

8.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

8.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

8.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing