Issue - meetings

Gole Road, Gapemouth Road, Mytchett Place Road and Grange Road (collectively referred to as the Pirbright bends) have suffered a history of road collisions including several resulting in serious injury and some resulting in death. It is proposed that the existing speed limits on these roads (consisting of either 30mph, 40mph, and national speed limit) are consolidated to a consistent 40mph to enable an average speed camera system to be introduced. This will help to reduce traffic speeds which in turn will reduce the risk and severity of collisions.

The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) agreed:

(i)    that, based upon the evidence, the start of the 30mph speed limit in Mytchett Place Road is moved from its current location (in Guildford) to a new location (in Surrey Heath) to include the bend at the Keogh Barracks access.

(ii)   To authorise delegation of authority to the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee, and the local divisional member to resolve any objections received in connection with the proposals described above.

(iii)  To note that the speed limit be changed to 40mph in the section of the B3012 Gapemouth Road and D3455 Mytchett Place Road that are currently subject to a 30mph speed limit.

(iv)  To note based upon the evidence, the national speed limit in the B3405 Grange Road and Stanley Hill be reduced to 40mph.

(v)   To note that an average speed camera system will be installed to enforce the 40mph speed limit.

(vi)  To note that bend warning sign improvements will be installed to complement the average speed camera system.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

A consistent 40mph speed limit will allow the introduction of average speed cameras which will help to reduce traffic speeds and therefore reduce risk and severity of collisions on the Pirbright Bends, where there has been a history of collisions including death and serious injury.

Declarations of Interest: None.

Officer in attendance:  Mark Borrett, Road Safety Officer

Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None

The Road Safety Officer presented the report which outlined the safety reasons for installing average speed cameras along the stretch of road know as the Pirbright Bends.  Members discussed the issue at length and raised the following points:

·         The majority of the road was in the Guildford area, with only part in Surrey Heath

·         The accident stats supported the project

·         Members would prioritise Red Road or the Mytchett triangle above this, but the accident figures do not bear this out

·         Safety cameras are the last resort and this site warrants the measures

·         If the project saved one life, it was worth it

·         Red Road should be added to the forward plan for a future update.

The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) agreed:

(i)    that, based upon the evidence, the start of the 30mph speed limit in Mytchett Place Road is moved from its current location (in Guildford) to a new location (in Surrey Heath) to include the bend at the Keogh Barracks access.

(ii)  To authorise delegation of authority to the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee, and the local divisional member to resolve any objections received in connection with the proposals described above.

(iii)To note that the speed limit be changed to 40mph in the section of the B3012 Gapemouth Road and D3455 Mytchett Place Road that are currently subject to a 30mph speed limit.

(iv)To note based upon the evidence, the national speed limit in the B3405 Grange Road and Stanley Hill be reduced to 40mph.

(v)  To note that an average speed camera system will be installed to enforce the 40mph speed limit.

(vi)To note that bend warning sign improvements will be installed to complement the average speed camera system.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

A consistent 40mph speed limit will allow the introduction of average speed cameras which will help to reduce traffic speeds and therefore reduce risk and severity of collisions on the Pirbright Bends, where there has been a history of collisions including death and serious injury.