Issue - meetings

To consider the results of a speed limit assessment undertaken for the sections of Thorpe Lea Road, Vicarage Road and New Wickham Lane that are currently subject to national speed limit (60mph).

The Runnymede Joint Committee agreed that:

(i)    a notice is advertised in accordance with the Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effects of which would be to revoke any existing traffic orders necessary, and introduce the proposed reductions in speed limit in Thorpe Lea Road, Vicarage Road and New Wickham Lane shown in Annex 2; and

(ii)  any objections to the Traffic Regulation Order should be considered and resolved by the Area Team Manager for Highways in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee and the local Divisional Member, and that this issue only be returned to Committee if any objections prove insurmountable; and

(iii)the Order be made once any objections have been considered and resolved.

Reasons for recommendations

The recommendations have been made based upon the results of a speed limit assessment carried out in accordance with Surrey County Council’s speed limit policy, and in consultation with Surrey Police.

The proposed reductions in speed limit will help provide more appropriate and consistent speed limits on roads in the local area.

Declarations of Interest: None

Officers attending: Jason Gosden, Senior Highway Engineer

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

Member Discussion – key points:

Mr Gosden explained that the current speed limit of 60mph on the stretch of road in question, which includes two roundabouts, does not follow the usual pattern. After receiving concerns from residents and speed limit assessment had been carried out, the conclusion from which was that it would be possible to achieve a reduction in vehicle speed without the need to introduce any engineering measures. Members supported the recommendation to reduce the speed limit, although some felt that compliance may be an issue and there may be a case for installing an electronic speed indicator, particularly on the section of the B388 just to the south of the double roundabouts. Mr Gosden was confident that the surveys that had been carried out showed that levels of compliance ought to be good, and further surveys would be organised once the new speed limit was in place. He said he would be happy to discuss the suggestion with the divisional member.

Resolved

The Runnymede Joint Committee agreed that:

(i)    a notice is advertised in accordance with the Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effects of which would be to revoke any existing traffic orders necessary, and introduce the proposed reductions in speed limit in Thorpe Lea Road, Vicarage Road and New Wickham Lane shown in Annex 2; and

(ii)  any objections to the Traffic Regulation Order should be considered and resolved by the Area Team Manager for Highways in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee and the local Divisional Member, and that this issue only be returned to Committee if any objections prove insurmountable; and

(iii)the Order be made once any objections have been considered and resolved.

Reasons for recommendations

The recommendations have been made based upon the results of a speed limit assessment carried out in accordance with Surrey County Council’s speed limit policy, and in consultation with Surrey Police.

The proposed reductions in speed limit will help provide more appropriate and consistent speed limits on roads in the local area.