December 2009

Speed Limit Review – An Overview

Why are we undertaking the review?Previously

• Limited guidance given to Highway Authorities with regard to setting speed limits.

• Independent approach by individual authorities.

• Resulted in lack of consistency;– Locally– Nationally

• Subsequent lack of respect by motorists for current limits

Why are we undertaking the review?

Now

• Revised Guidance from the Department for Transport– Setting Local Speed Limits– Speed Assessment Framework– Village Speed Limits

• Government request that all Highway Authorities review existing speed limits on A & B Class roads.

Source; Department for Transport Circular 01/06; The Stationary OfficeDepartment for Transport Traffic Advisory Leaflets 01/04 and 02/06; The Stationary Office

What are the aims of the review?Aim

• Improved consistency across local and national road network.

• Improved respect and adherence to speed limits.

Note • Speed limits should not be used to

solve isolated hazards;– i.e. bends, junctions etc…

How is the review being undertaken?• Comprehensive data collection process undertaken;

– Existing traffic volumes– Existing vehicle speeds– Collisions rate– Route driven

• Routes assessed in defined sections to establish changes in environment.

• Assessment framework differentiates between two tiers of road type based on their traffic function. A & B Class roads have been classified as Upper Tier as they primarily have a through function.

How is the review being undertaken?

Source; Department for Transport Circular 01/06 (2006); The Stationary Office

Table 2: Speed limits for single carriageway roads in public areas

Speed limit (mph) Upper tier – roads with predominant traffic flow function

60

Recommended for most high quality strategic A and B roads with few bends, junctions or accesses. When the assessment framework is being used, the accident rate should be below a threshold of 35 injury accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres with this speed limit.

50

Should be considered for lower quality A and B roads which may have a relatively high number of bends, junctions or accesses. When the assessment framework is being used, the accident rates should be above a threshold of 35 injury accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres at higher speeds. Can also be considered where mean speeds are below 50 mph, so lower limit does not interfere with traffic flow.

40

Should be considered where there is a high number of bends, junctions or accesses, substantial development, where there is a strong environmental or landscape reason, or where there are considerable numbers of vulnerable road users.

30 Should be the norm in villages.

How is the review being undertaken?• Analysis of collected data undertaken

in accordance with guidance given.

• Majority of existing 30mph speed limits and all 20mph limits have been excluded from the review

• These locations are considered to already have the lowest speed limit level applicable.

What stage is the review at?• All analysis work has been completed and recommendations produced.

• Recommendations discussed with the Police;– as they are responsible for enforcement of speed limits

• Recommendations discussed with neighbouring Highway Authorities.

• Cabinet Member approval been given to disseminate information to Parish and Town Councils for comment.

Headline results

Proposed30 40 50 National Speed

LimitExisting

30 n\a 4 0 1

40 7 n\a 15 9

50 0 0 n\a 15

National Speed Limit 0 1 64 n\a

• 330 existing speed limits covering 682km of A and B class road have been assessed.

• The assessment process has resulted in the recommendation that 116 speed limits require amendment in whole or in part; this represents approximately 35% of all the existing speed limits on A and B class roads.

What’s next?• It is recognised that vehicle speeds and speed

limits in general, are highly emotive issues. Any reduction, increase or indeed refusal of a change, is likely to be a contentious issue.

• In order to be as open as possible we need feedback from local communities on the review recommendations.

• Detailed results are therefore to be sent to Parish and Town Councils for their comment.

What’s next?Dissemination of Recommendations

• Parish and Town Council’s will receive:- A CD with plans of all the roads assessed, background guidance notes, copy of this presentation- A covering letter explaining the process by which comment can be made

• 8 Week Comment Period.

• Report to Cabinet member outlining responses and decision made on what level of limit is formally advertised in each individual case.

• Formal advertisement of Traffic Regulation Orders.

The future?Implementation

• Formal advertisement of Traffic Regulation Orders.

• 2010/11 begin implementation.

• Estimated costs to deliver 116 speed limit changes is in the order of £900k to £1million.

• Likely three year programme required.

What’s next?Future of Speed Limit Review

• Commitment made to complete a review of ‘C’ Class & Unclassified roads across the County.

• Need to develop assessment strategy.

• Likely to commence upon completion of the implementation process for changes on A & B Class roads.