Agenda item

This report provides a response to a petition referred to the former Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee in December 2015 on the possible introduction of a 20’s Plenty scheme for residential roads in Medway either as a pilot or Medway-wide.

Discussion:

The Committee was reminded that at its meeting on 10 December 2015, in response to a petition, the former Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee had requested a report upon the possible introduction of a 20’s plenty scheme for residential roads in Medway either as a pilot or Medway-wide. Such report was to include information as to the operation of 20’s plenty schemes within other local authority areas and the estimated costs involved should the Committee wish to recommend to Cabinet the implementation of a pilot scheme in Medway.

The Assistant Director Front Line Services presented a report which outlined:

·         the difference between 20pmh ‘limits’ and ‘zones’

·         national policy

·         local policy

·         case studies

·         implementation issues

·         options available and financial implications

The following issues were discussed:

·         It was noted that it was not permissible for a time limit to be placed upon a 20mph zone.

·         Enforcement of vehicle speeds in 20mph zones was the responsibility of the Police.

·         It was possible to consider the provision of a 20mph zone in an area where traffic calming measures were already in place e.g. outside a school.

·         A Ward Councillor for Rainham North observed that the safety record in Lower Rainham Road had improved following the introduction of a 20mph zone but recognised that the installation of speed humps as traffic calming measures was not popular with residents.

·         It was suggested that when monitoring blanket 20mph zones in London and other Boroughs, account also be taken of CO2 emissions and the effect upon the environment and those schemes in neighbouring local authorities

·         The importance of noting the length of time 20mph zones have been in place when using a zone as a case study.

·         It was suggested that Councillors be involved in the scoping report for any areas suggested to be the subject of a pilot 20mph zone.

·         It was suggested that the Committee receive a briefing note in 6 months’ time setting out the methodology to be used by officers in monitoring blanket 20mph zones in other areas.

Decision:

The Committee requested:

a)            that the Director of Regeneration, Culture, Environment and Transformation monitor the current blanket 20mph zones that have been implemented in London and other Boroughs, including neighbouring local authority areas, to determine their cost effectiveness, their ability to reduce casualties and impact on air quality, also giving consideration to how long the schemes have been in place.

b)        that the Director of Regeneration, Culture, Environment and Transformation establish a baseline for the 8 existing schemes in Medway and review the speed of vehicles and the casualty figures over the coming 12 - 18 months to assess the effectiveness of each scheme.

c)         that no action be taken at this stage in recommending to Cabinet that a blanket 20mph zone is implemented or piloted.

d)        that Councillors be involved in any scoping report for any areas suggested to be the subject of a pilot 20mph zone.

e)        that a briefing note be provided to Members of the Committee in 6 months setting out the methodology to be used by officers in monitoring blanket 20mph zones in other areas.