Agenda item

To agree that a 20 mph speed limit is implemented on the roads shown within the report.

The Local Committee (Waverley) resolved to AGREE to:

1. Note the results of the speed assessments undertaken to inform the development of the 20 mph proposals, as included in Section 2.
2. Agree that a 20 mph speed limit is implemented on the roads shown within Figures 1-3 in Annex A, in accordance with Option 1 (see section “3. Options”).  Subject to agreement with the Waverley Heritage officers and further consultation with Town and other relevant Borough and County councillors on the final design.
3. Authorise the advertisement of a notice in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to implement the proposed speed limit change, including revocation of any existing traffic orders necessary to implement the change, and, subject to no objections being upheld, that the order be made.
4. Authorise a 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 proposal.
5. Note that if the scheme has not been successful in reducing actual vehicle speeds, then further engineering measures or a return to the current posted speed limit may be necessary.
6. If the scheme is not successful in contributing to improvement in air quality then further measures may need to be considered.
7. Further extensions to the 20mph limit/zone maybe considered following further consultation.

Reason:

To enable the changes to the posted speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph, on the roads identified within Figures 1-3 in Annex A, in accordance with Surrey County Council’s Speed Limit Policy.

The proposed lower 20 mph speed limit on these roads will contribute to improved road safety for all users and an improved environment for active travel within the area, encouraging more short trips to be made by modes such as walking and cycling.

The proposed extent of 20 mph speed limit on these roads has been identified to provide consistency of speed limit and align the proposals with best practice to contribute to an effective positive change of character and improved accessibility throughout the respective areas.

Declarations of Interest: Noted in the Declarations of Interest item.

Officer in attendance: Elaine Martin, Principal Project Officer, SCC, Tomas Ghez Atkins, Chris Greenwood, Atkins.

Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None.

The officers introduced the item and stated that it was important to bring the report to the Local Committee for consultation. Officers stated that there would also be other opportunities for public consultation including the statutory public consultation period of 28 days for comments to be received.

Member discussion – key points:

• Councillors commented that there had been general support for the 20mph speed limit change from the public in Farnham with a few concerns such as it would increase signage and concerns around the conservation area in Farnham. Councillors commented that this was a quick win and would improve the look of the town centre.

• Councillors commented that the traffic data is atypical as taken during Covid circumstances, there were concerns that 20mph speed limit could cause danger.  Officers stated that they had also collected data during summer 2021 when Covid measures were relaxed and the number of cars on the roads was close to average.

• Councillors raised concerns about safety due to the proposed build out on Castle Street and the additional signage in this conservation area. There were also concerns about whether there had been consultation with Heritage Officer at the Town Council. The Officers showed the Committee the designs and stated that there was a need to introduce speed limit signs, that the build outs are small to support café culture and that the planters will soften their appearance. Officers stated that they are happy to work with the Town Council.

• Councillors asked whether officers are taking possible carbon dioxide pollution and air quality into consideration. Members stated that it was important that air quality is monitored during these changes.

• Councillors commented that if cars are going at 20mph and there is an accident people are less likely to be seriously hurt. Members also stated that 20mph speed limits do support active travel and will encourage more people to walk safely.

• It was commented that there was broadly support for a 20mph speed limit outside Hale school but concern over where the zone finishes particularly near the war memorial. It was stated that the change should be further down the hill beyond the recreation ground. The question was raised whether officers have considered the hills e.g. on Upper Hale Rd.

• Members said generally the consultation with residents had been good, although councillors wanted more consultation with Waverley Heritage officers, the Borough, County and Town Councils.

• Questions were raised by Members as to whether the Local Committee would support consideration of 20mph speed limit in other areas of the borough. The Chairman stated that Divisional Members can submit requests. Members agreed to take responsibility for consulting with their own residents on this in the future.

Action: Officers to reply to Cllr Merryweather on his query:

He stated that 3 schools were not marked on the map including William Cobbett school. He identified 3 areas (Weybourne Road; Badshot Lea Road; Bullers Road) for speed limits but they didn’t appear in the proposals and asked why Bullers Road which was nominated as the first Surrey Safer Street wasn’t included.

The Local Committee (Waverley) resolved to AGREE to:

1. Note the results of the speed assessments undertaken to inform the development of the 20 mph proposals, as included in Section 2.
2. Agree that a 20 mph speed limit is implemented on the roads shown within Figures 1-3 in Annex A, in accordance with Option 1 (see section “3. Options”). Subject to agreement with the Waverley Heritage officers and further consultation with Town and other relevant Borough and County councillors on the final design.
3. Authorise the advertisement of a notice in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to implement the proposed speed limit change, including revocation of any existing traffic orders necessary to implement the change, and, subject to no objections being upheld, that the order be made.
4. Authorise a 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 proposal.
5. Note that if the scheme has not been successful in reducing actual vehicle speeds, then further engineering measures or a return to the current posted speed limit may be necessary.
6. If the scheme is not successful in contributing to improvement in air quality then further measures may need to be considered.
7. Further extensions to the 20mph limit/zone may be considered following further consultation.

Reason:

To enable the changes to the posted speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph, on the roads identified within Figures 1-3 in Annex A, in accordance with Surrey County Council’s Speed Limit Policy.

The proposed lower 20 mph speed limit on these roads will contribute to improved road safety for all users and an improved environment for active travel within the area, encouraging more short trips to be made by modes such as walking and cycling.

The proposed extent of 20 mph speed limit on these roads has been identified to provide consistency of speed limit and align the proposals with best practice to contribute to an effective positive change of character and improved accessibility throughout the respective areas.