Agenda No 5 AGENDA MANAGEMENT SHEET
Name of Committee Warwick Area Committee
Date of Committee 18 January 2011
Report Title A4141 Warwick Road, Chadwick End - Proposed 30mph Speed Limit
Summary It is proposed to introduce a 30mph speed limit on A4141 Warwick Road, Chadwick End. One objection has been received from a local resident but it is recommended that approval be given to the proposal.
For further information Richard Elbourne please contact Project Leader Village Speed Limit Review Tel. 01926 412076 richardelbourne@warwickshire.gov.uk
Would the recommended No decision be contrary to the Budget and Policy Framework?
Background Papers Location plan Letter of objection.
CONSULTATION ALREADY UNDERTAKEN:- Details to be specified
Other Committees ......
Local Member(s) X Councillor J Compton supports the proposal. (With brief comments, if appropriate)
Other Elected Members ......
Cabinet Member ...... (Reports to The Cabinet, to be cleared with appropriate Cabinet Member)
Chief Executive ......
Legal X I Marriott – agreed.
Finance ......
AreaW/0111/ww1 1 of 5 Other Chief Officers ......
District Councils X Warwick District Council – no objections
Health Authority ......
Police X Warwickshire Police – no objections
Other Bodies/Individuals X Local residents
FINAL DECISION YES (If ‘No’ complete Suggested Next Steps)
SUGGESTED NEXT STEPS : Details to be specified
Further consideration by ...... this Committee
To Council ......
To Cabinet ......
To an O & S Committee ......
To an Area Committee ......
Further Consultation ......
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Agenda No 5
Warwick Area Committee – 18 January 2011
A4141 Warwick Road, Chadwick End - Proposed 30mph Speed limit
Report of the Strategic Director for Environment and Economy
Recommendation
That approval be given to the proposed scheme.
1. Introduction
1.1 In 2006, the Department for Transport (DfT) asked all traffic authorities to review the speed limits on the A and B class roads in their areas and implement any necessary changes by 2011.
1.2 The village of Chadwick End straddles the boundary between Warwickshire and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and whereas WCC completed their review in 2009, Solihull MBC’s review is still in progress.
1.3 As part of this review, Solihull MBC have resolved to impose a 30mph speed limit on A4141 on the Solihull side of the boundary. Accordingly, officers from WCC and Solihull MBC have drawn up a joint scheme for implementation.
1.4 This report seeks the approval of Committee to introduce a 30mph speed limit on A4141 Warwick Road as shown in Appendix A.
2. Background
2.1 The current speed limit on A4141 through Chadwick End is 40mph and was imposed jointly with Solihull MBC in 2001 as part of this authority’s Village Speed Limit Review. Subsequent guidance from DfT states that, where appropriate, a 30mph limit should be the norm in villages.
2.2 There is a Warwickshire Police mobile speed camera site on Warwick Road. Speed surveys conducted in 2010 show that the average speed of traffic (39.8mph) conforms to the existing 40mph limit, indicating that this limit is appropriate here. However, as part of their speed limit review, Solihull have resolved to take the opportunity to reduce the speed limit on A4141 on the Solihull side of the boundary to 30mph in line with the DfT’s guidance.
AreaW/0111/ww1 3 of 5 2.3 A4141 Warwick Road has a system of street lighting through Chadwick End and it is considered that compliance with a 30mph limit could be achieved without extensive engineering measures. It is therefore proposed to replace the existing 40mph speed limit signs with 30mph signs. Solihull MBC have agreed to supply 2 flashing vehicle activated signs which will reinforce the 30 mph speed limit.
2.4 Police enforcement will be important, particularly immediately following the introduction of the new speed limit, and both Warwickshire Police and West Midlands Police have agreed to maintain an enforcement presence here.
3. Consultation
3.1 The residential parts of Chadwick End are in the parish of Balsall Common in Solihull Metropolitan Borough. The majority of the highway is in the parish of Baddesley Clinton in Warwickshire and Councillor Mrs Compton supports the proposal.
3.2 Warwick District Council have been consulted and have raised no objections.
3.3 Warwickshire Police have been consulted and have raised no objections to the scheme.
3.4 Local residents have been consulted and a public notice has been erected on site and published in the press formally advertising the proposed speed limit change.
3.5 One objection was received from a resident of Chadwick End :
Objection – The new speed limit will be ignored and an inconsiderate minority will continue to travel at speed, creating a hazardous situation.
Response – Compliance with the new 30mph speed limit will be monitored. If necessary, Solihull MBC will install vehicle-activated signs to reinforce the message. This will be supported by enforcement by both Warwickshire Police and West Midlands Police.
3.6 Six e-mails have been received from residents of Chadwick End expressing strong support for the proposed 30mph speed limit.
4. Conclusion
4.1 A 30mph speed limit in Chadwick End would be in accordance with DfT guidance.
4.2 New signing reinforced by Police enforcement will encourage compliance with the new speed limit.
4.3 The resulting reduction in vehicle speeds through the village will improve the environment and safety for local residents and road users.
AreaW/0111/ww1 4 of 5 5. Environmental Implications
5.1 Tackling inappropriate speeding is an ongoing priority and the Council will continue to implement appropriate measures on roads where there is an ongoing issue with vehicle speeds.
5.2 Reducing the speed of traffic will bring environmental benefits to local communities.
PAUL GALLAND Strategic Director for Environment and Economy Shire Hall Warwick
20 December 2010
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