Issue - items at meetings - Brighton & Hove a 20mph city?

Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

1.                 That the Committee notes the results of the public consultation on proposals to implement a citywide 20mph scheme.

2.                 That, having taken into account the responses received, the Committee authorises officers to proceed with advertising the formal Speed Limit Order for the changes in speed limit in the Phase 1 Area

32.1               The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place that outlined the results of the public consultation on a phased introduction of 20mph speed restrictions and sought approval to commence with the implementation of Phase 1 of the scheme. The report was accompanied by a presentation from Transport and Public Health Officers.

32.2               Councillor Hawtree asked if the speed reduction would conversely result in quicker journey times.

32.3               The Principal Transport Planner clarified that their research suggested it would as; in particular, there would be smoother transitions between junctions.

32.4               Councillor Hawtree asked how 20mph speed restrictions would be promoted.

32.5               The Principal Transport Planner replied that there would be a widespread driver education program.

32.6               Councillor Mitchell stated that a 20mph scheme had many advantages and she had always supported its implementation however, she had several concerns with the proposals. The recommendation for a blanket approach did not correlate with the Scrutiny Panel recommendations of 2010. She had concerns that the bus company would limit their night service which could affect people’s safety; concerns that Sussex Police would not enforce the measures and she was worried that the taxi trade had not been consulted on the measures until the day before this meeting. Councillor Mitchell also relayed her concerns regarding long-term funding for areas outside phase 1 and enquired as to the possibility that some areas may be introduced more quickly should the urgency to do so be established.

32.7               Councillor Davey stated there was a Local Transport Plan allocation for funding the scheme.

32.8               In response to the issues raised by Councillor Mitchell, the Principal Transport Planner explained that the Bus Company did have concerns. Discussions would continue and the issue would be monitored. Research into a similar scheme in Bristol had found that bus timetabling was not negatively affected. Sussex Police had not objected to the scheme proposals and expected that they would be implemented within DfT guidelines and therefore self enforcing. The option of additional traffic calming measures remained an enforcement possibility. Officers would monitor the phase 1 programme both in terms of compliance and journey times and review the proposed areas of later phases of scheme in consultation with local communities.

32.9               Councillor Robins stated that he did not agree that introduction of a 20mph scheme would reduce the number of accidents or that it would reduce deaths on the road as both the former and latter were caused by dangerous and reckless driving usually in excess of the speed limit. He asked whether or not Sussex Police would enforce the measures and if the 20mph limit would also apply to cyclists.

32.10          The Principal Transport Planner replied that their research anticipated a decline in accidents and their severity. She added that whilst the Council did not have jurisdiction over Sussex Police, they had a duty to enforce legal speed limits. Legal enforcement would be the same as other speeding offences. The Principal Transport Planner clarified that cyclists would have to abide to the speed limit as any other road user would.

32.11          Councillor West stated that he had been the Chair of the 20mph Scrutiny Panel in 2010 which had heard and produced a great deal of evidence. He was delighted these proposals were recommended to this Committee. Safety was a significant part of the measures and the result of the public consultation had demonstrated to the Committee members that there was a desire for a 20mph scheme.

32.12          Councillor Cox stated that he had been a long supporter of 20mph schemes, that they cuts deaths through driving and made residential roads safer and nicer. However, due to a poor presentation which had not highlighted the specific roads of the scheme and concerns raised regarding the continuation of a late night bus service he was now unsure whether to support the proposals. Councillor Cox re-iterated that he was uneasy about the effect upon vulnerable groups and the bus service, particularly the N7 bus. He noted his suspicion that the research had been impaired by buses in Bristol who may have run the risk of continuing their service at 30mph.

32.13          Councillor Follett stated that consideration had to be given to the public health advantages of a 20mph scheme. He requested officers take account of Councillor Cox’s comments and for the Committee to closely monitor the scheme.

32.14          Councillor Theobald stated he did not support the measures put forward and was more inclined toward the Scrutiny recommendation of implementation over smaller areas. His concerns for bus and taxi services remained and he also believed people would become frustrated. In addition, he believed the cost of the scheme to be very high.

32.15          Councillor Mitchell stated that she would support the scheme, however, she wished for the Committee’s concerns to be noted and addressed where applicable. If it transpired that, when the scheme was implemented, it had a negative effect on the bus service, it should be corrected. Councillor Mitchell noted that a temporary Speed Limit Order could be used on those routes used by buses to avoid long-term commitment. Councillor Mitchell supplemented that she would like the Committee to receive a six month update.

32.16          Councillor Davey clarified that a report on the scheme would return in January and April 2013 and again for the subsequent phases. Councillor Davey stated that he was looking forward to the introduction of the scheme that he believed would ensure a better environment, safer streets and numerous health benefits.

32.17          RESOLVED-

1.                 That the Committee notes the results of the public consultation on proposals to implement a citywide 20mph scheme.

2.                 That, having taken into account the responses received, the Committee authorises officers to proceed with advertising the formal Speed Limit Order for the changes in speed limit in the Phase 1 Area