Archived decisions

Contact: Peter Bayless, tel 01962 846882 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

(i) That the Department for Transport Circular 01/2006 `Setting Local Speed Limits' be approved for use as a basis for the assessment and setting of all speed limits on the county road network.

(ii) That a review of speed limits on all A and B roads be undertaken as priorities permit in the traffic management programme to meet the Government's completion target of 2011.

(iii) That 30 and 40 miles per hour speed limits, particularly in villages, be positively reviewed in accordance with the guidance and according to locally determined priorities through the Hampshire Action Teams. Furthermore, that urgent consideration be given to 20 miles per hour speed limits at schools that wish such limits, in conjunction with a publicity campaign at all schools promoting "20 is plenty!"

(iv) That options be explored through the new Safer Roads Partnership for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as to how increased compliance with village speed limits in Hampshire might be achieved within the resources and priorities of the Partnership.

(v) That the Hampshire Association of Town and Parish Councils be consulted with a view to commissioning a public attitude survey with Hampshire residents to assess the acceptability of lower speed limits and increased enforcement to achieve compliance in villages.

2. Reason

2.1 The recently published Department for Transport (DfT) guidance on the setting of local speed limits recommends a framework for the assessment and consistent application of speed limits on roads throughout the country. Amendment of the County Council's current policy will ensure that speed limits on County roads are appropriate for the road conditions, in line with current national advice and therefore broadly consistent with other local authority areas. Reviewing speed limits on all A and B roads as a priority will allow the Government's target date of 2011 to be met.

2.2 A revised policy in Hampshire would in turn enable other speed limits, particularly in villages, to be reviewed according to local priorities and demand, as determined through the Hampshire Action Teams and in liaison with the Hampshire Association of Town and Parish Councils. Increased enforcement of rural speed limits, perhaps linked to further deployment of community based "Speedwatch" type initiatives, might well make these more effective. It would therefore be helpful to assess the increase in Police enforcement resources likely to be required and to gauge through attitude surveys the level of public support for this approach.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not reviewing the County Council's policy in the light of the revised DfT guidelines. This could lead to inconsistencies with other neighbouring Highway Authorities and would not comply with the DfT request to use the new guidance for assessment of speed limits and review limits on A and B roads.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE - Chairman

1087Decn/PDB