Issue - meetings

To receive a report on the UK National Plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations (2017), which identified the A331 Blackwater Valley Route (BVR) as a road that would continue to continue to exceed the EU Nitrogen Dioxide limit values in and post 2021. 

A study found that the only part of the A331 BVR that would not meet compliance by 2021 would be the section between the Coleford Bridge Road and Frimley junctions, where the Blackwater Valley Path passes close to the road, particularly in the vicinity of The Hatches and under the Farnborough-Woking railway line.  The Study also identified that the only measure that would best meet the terms of the Directive is one where the speed limit on this section of the A331 BVR is reduced from the national speed limit to 50mph, supported by average speed cameras.

The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) agreed that:

(i)    An advertisement should be published for a Speed Limit Order (SLO) to extend the current 50mph speed limit (and revoke the existing 70mph limit) on the A331 BVR between the M3 junction 4 and A325 Frimley junctions to 100 metres south of the Coleford Bridge Road junction;

(ii)   Any objections to the revocation of the existing 70mph speed limit and resultant introduction of a 50mph speed limit should be considered and resolved by the Area Highways Manager (NW) in consultation with the Divisional Member, Chairman and relevant Hampshire County Council officers and Members, and that this issue only be returned to Committee if any objections prove insurmountable;

(iii)  Once any objections have been considered and resolved, that the order be made and the 50mph limit introduced with the expectation that the current national speed limit of 70mph will be reinstated once it can be assured that nitrogen dioxide levels will remain compliant with these higher traffic speeds

Reasons for Decision:

The Commttee would usually look to the SCC Speed Limit Policy before recommending a change in speed limit.  However, this decision enables the County to react to the Government directive for Air Quality.  A decision to not proceed could mean the County Council is fined.  The Committee therefore agreed the decision to proceed but noted that talks would continue on air quality and enforcement of any speed limit.

Declarations of Interest:      None

Officers attending:  William Bryans, Transport Studies Team Manager, SCC

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements:  None

The Transport Studies Team Manager presented the report.  The Committee discussed that this speed reduction did not fall within the criteria of the SCC Speed Limit Policy, yet the Officer recommendation was for the reduction in order to meet the Government directive.  Attention was also drawn to the Police position on this.  The Committee raised concerns that the absence of any meaningful enforcement as originally proposed would mean the effectiveness of the mitigation measures would be significantly reduced.

It was agreed that the Committee would accept the report and recommendations but that talks would continue to try to resolve this and look at alternative options.

The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) is asked to agree that:

(i)    An advertisement should be published for a Speed Limit Order (SLO) to extend the current 50mph speed limit (and revoke the existing 70mph limit) on the A331 BVR between the M3 junction 4 and A325 Frimley junctions to 100 metres south of the Coleford Bridge Road junction;

(ii)   Any objections to the revocation of the existing 70mph speed limit and resultant introduction of a 50mph speed limit should be considered and resolved by the Area Highways Manager (NW) in consultation with the Divisional Member, Chairman and relevant Hampshire County Council officers and Members, and that this issue only be returned to Committee if any objections prove insurmountable;

(iii)  Once any objections have been considered and resolved, that the order be made and the 50mph limit introduced with the expectation that the current national speed limit of 70mph will be reinstated once it can be assured that nitrogen dioxide levels will remain compliant with these higher traffic speeds

Reasons for Decision:

The Commttee would usually look to the SCC Speed Limit Policy before recommending a change in speed limit.  However, this decision enables the County to react to the Government directive for Air Quality.  A decision to not proceed, could mean the County Council is fined.