To receive and answer any questions from Surrey County Council electors within the area in accordance with Standing Order 66.
A question has been received from Mr Robert Atreed of Englefield Green concerning the speed limit on Priest’s Hill.
Minutes:
This item was tabled.
Two written public questions had been submitted, and responses were provided, as follows:
1. Question from Mr Robert Atreed of Englefield Green:
“Would Surrey County Council as the highways authority consider reducing the speed limit on Priest Hill to 40mph to ensure the safety of horse-riders, cyclists, school children and other road users?”
My rationale for the above question is as follows:
The road leading from Old Windsor/The Thames up to Englefield Green via Priest Hill is designated as a National Speed zone (single lane = 60mph). However, as I occasionally exit Coopers Hill Lane to turn right down Priest Hill, my view of oncoming traffic is approximately 60metres. This equates to just 2.25 seconds to pull out from the road before the car travelling at that speed reaches me. It’s a dangerous junction as cars often whizz up the hill (I dare say that some cars will be exceeding the limit).
feel that the road should be made a 40mph limit zone or even a 30 mph limit zone for four main reasons: (a) as listed above – It is simply dangerous for motorists pulling out at junctions; (b) there is a school on the road, St John’s Beaumont (we need to be sensible with driving speeds, especially when there are children about); (c) the road also has a Farm located on it and is common-place for horse-riders; (d) the hill and Englefield Green is used by many cyclists to access the Park – as a cyclist myself, it is very daunting when cars pass at 60mph, especially when some cyclists are travelling much slower and therefore less steady when cycling uphill.
The combination of all the above makes this road very dangerous with a national speed limit.
The chairman has given the following response on behalf of the Committee and in consultation with Surrey Highways:
The County Council’s policy on setting speed limits aims to set speed limits that are successful in managing vehicle speeds and are appropriate for the main function of the road.
The policy requires that a speed limit assessment is undertaken if a change in speed limit is being considered. As part of the assessment process a number of factors are considered to determine whether a change in speed limit is appropriate. These include existing vehicle speeds and the views of Surrey Police (who are responsible for enforcing speed limits).
The policy also notes that lowering a speed limit on its own will not necessarily reduce vehicle speeds. This is because motorists determine their speed based on the character of the road and conditions at the time. If a speed limit is set much lower than prevailing vehicle speeds then it is likely to be widely disregarded. As such, it would have little value in improving road safety. Furthermore, introducing unrealistic speed limits could also undermine the effectiveness of speed limits more generally.
Following a previous request to consider reducing the speed limit, a speed limit assessment for Priest Hill was one of a number of schemes the Local Committee considered including in its programme of works for 2015/16 (agreed at its meeting on 1 December 2014). Due to the limited funding available, the Local Committee was unable to progress all the schemes requested and the speed limit assessment for Priest Hill was not one of the schemes that was prioritised for inclusion in the agreed programme. However, there are other proposals to help improve road safety and these relate to some of the specific concerns you have raised. These measures are as follows:
· A new vehicle activated sign on Priest Hill on the southbound (uphill) approach to the junction with Coopers Hill Lane. The sign will display the junction ahead warning sign and “SLOW DOWN” to approaching vehicles when activated. The sign is being provided as part of the planning agreement for the development of the Brunel site on Coopers Hill Lane. At this stage the installation date has yet to be confirmed.
· A comprehensive review of existing signs and roads markings on Priest Hill with a view to providing motorists with improved warning of junctions, the school and of equestrians. This will include the introduction of signs on high visibility yellow backing boards to increase their conspicuousness. The improved signs and road markings are expected to be installed during the summer 2015.
2. Question from Mr Malcolm Loveday, Chairman of the Chertsey Society
At the Chertsey Town Forum in Chertsey on Monday 26 January 2015 the issue was raised of a 20mph speed limit in the Conservation Area, Chertsey.
In Windsor Street, vehicles travelling eastwards frequently travel too fast around the bend near The Swan Hotel and intimidate pedestrians crossing the road outside St Peter’s Church, and it is surprising that there have not been more accidents. The situation is considerably aggravated by cars or delivery lorries double parked outside ‘OneShop’, resulting in traffic travelling eastwards being confronted by vehicles on the wrong side of the road negotiating the double parked offenders. The sightlines are poor - especially if large vehicles are parked on the north side of the street.
Would it be possible for the Local Committee to consider the request for a 20mph speed limit in this area perhaps with speed activated signs?
It would also be helpful if consideration could also be given to such a speed limit being imposed in London Street, Chertsey, which is also part of the Conservation Area, particularly near the notorious junction of Abbey Road/ Bridge Road / Free Prae Road & London Street which is frequently the site of vehicle collisions or the demolition of garden walls.
The chairman has given the following response on behalf of the Local Committee and in consultation with Surrey Highways:
Requests for speed limit changes are assessed in accordance with Surrey County Council's 'Setting local speed limits' policy, a copy of which is available on the SCC website.
Due to the limited time available between receipt of the written question from the Chertsey Society and the date of the Committee meeting, it has not been possible to assess this request in accordance with the policy.
For this reason, a written response to this request will be presented for the June Committee meeting.
In addition to the information provided by the Chertsey Society, assessment of the speed limit will take into account the character and classification of the existing road, an assessment of existing vehicle speeds, and an assessment of accident data. Consultation will also take place with Surrey Police, who are responsible for enforcement of speed limits, and colleagues from Road Safety. A report will then be prepared and presented to the Local Committee making appropriate recommendations.