AGENDA ITEM 7

BOROUGH OF POOLE

CANFORD HEATH EAST AND WEST, CREEKMOOR AND OAKDALE AREA COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2007

REPORT OF HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

AD ASTRA FIRST 20MPH AND SCHOOL ZONES

1. Matter for Consideration

1.1 The programme of 20 mph and School Zones outside Schools is contained within the Transportation Capital Programme. This programme of works aims to improve the safety and environment outside schools and achieve targets set out in the Local Transport Plan. 1.2This report proposes a School Zone in Sherborn Crescent and a 20mph Zone to cover Yeatminster Road and Puddletown Crescent, all roads in close proximity to Ad Astra First School. 2. Recommendation

2.1It is recommended that this Area Committee : (i) Approves the suggested School Zone in Sherborn Crescent and the 20mph Zone for Yeatminster Road and Puddletown Crescent, as detailed in Paragraph 4 of this Report. (ii) Authorises advertisement of the Traffic Regulation Order for the 20mph Zone and associated road hump. 3. Background

3.1 On 13 November 2003, the Transportation Advisory Group (TAG) approved a study to implement a strategy for establishing 20mph speed limits outside schools. The results of the study were presented to the 14 April 2005 meeting of the TAG where Members approved a list prioritising 20mph zones for all 42 schools in the Borough.

3.2 Implementation of a 20mph zone for each school was prioritised on the basis of:

3.2.1 School Travel Plans, in order that these zones can be built into a holistic approach to school travel issues. Such plans are a demonstration of collaborative working and indeed their existence attracts additional Government funding.

3.2.2 The Child casualty record outside schools.

1 3.2.3 The appropriateness of such a zone to the school(s) location including the linking of school sites in close proximity.

3.3 A programme of work was developed which is currently funded from the “Delivering Accessibility” section of the Local Transport Plan budget. 3.4 Recently, on 20 September 2007 TAG approved an alternative approach for schools near roads for which a 20mph zone would be inappropriate. In these locations it was agreed that a “School Zone” could be created. This could comprise an entry treatment on each approach to the school, including signs advising motorists to slow down. The use of timer activated signs would be advantageous as these could be switched off when the school is not operating, to minimise the impact on local traffic at these times. The concept of school zones being recognisable would therefore be consistent throughout the Borough. 4. Proposals 4.1 It is now proposed that a School Zone be introduced in Sherborn Crescent, as the main access to Ad Astra First School. In addition it is considered that a 20mph zone should be introduced in Yeatminster Road and Puddletown Crescent as many pupils walk through this estate and gain access to the school via a side entrance. The proposal is shown on Drawing No. JC0702/04 at Appendix A. 4.2 Because Sherborn Crescent is an important bus route, and also carries quite a bit of traffic, it is considered that a school zone is more appropriate outside the school. Imposition of a 20mph Zone would require traffic calming using speed humps or tables, which are not recommended in this location.

4.3 For the School Zone in Sherborn Crescent, therefore, it is proposed to erect signs at the junction with Adastral Road. The other end of the zone, near Yeatminster Road, will be demarcated using a slight road narrowing, signs and buff coloured surfacing across the road. A “gateway” effect will then be created. SHERBORN CRESCENT LOOKING TOWARD ADASTRAL ROAD  On the nearside, at each gateway, there will be a sign illuminated at the appropriate time warning motorists of the proximity of the school and to “SLOW DOWN”. These will be only illuminated during school start and finish times, although additional events could be programmed if desired.

2  On the offside a standard reflectorised sign will include some artwork designed by the children.

4.4 This particular school has a side access, reached via Yeatminster Road. A number of pupils use this side entrance as they travel from the estate served by Yeatminster Road and Puddletown Crescent. It is therefore suggested that both these roads could be included within a 20mph zone. Such zones must be self-enforcing and to achieve this a raised table is proposed in Puddletown Crescent to slow traffic. In addition, buff surfacing is also

proposed at important crossing points which link a system of footpaths across the estate

A RAISED TABLE OR BUFF SURFACING ARE PROPOSED TO LINK UP FOOTPATHS

TABLE LOCATION IN PUDDLETOWN CRESCENT BUFF SURFACE LOCATION IN YEATMINSTER ROAD 4.5 The table in Puddletown Crescent would be designated by buff coloured surfacing across the carriageway. 20mph zone signs would be erected at the entrance to the Zone in Yeatminster Road.

4.6 As is normal with these zones, pupils from Ad Astra First School will be asked to enter a competition to provide artwork, which would be incorporated into the 20mph Zone and School Zone signs.

4.7 The 20mph Zone and associated road hump would need to be formally advertised. Any objections to this will be referred back to this Committee for consideration.

3 4.8 These works are estimated to cost £50,000, for which there is adequate funding in the 2007/08 Capital Programme.

Julian McLaughlin Head of Transportation Services

Appendix A - Drawing No. JC0702/04 – Ad Astra First School Safety Measures

Name and Telephone Number of Officer Contact: Graham Spicer (01202) 262072

211107CHCO

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