Decision details

To seek approval for implementation of a countywide speed management strategy in line with the Department Transport’s (DfT) “Setting Local Speed Limits” guidance which highlights the importance of traffic authorities’ delivering speed limits that are “safe and appropriate for roads and its surroundings.”
The proposed strategy will also enable the Council to carry out its network management duty under Section 16 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, ie to secure the expeditious movement of traffic on the authority’s road network and both the more efficient use and avoidance, elimination or reduction of road congestion or other disruption to the movement of traffic on their road network.

Approval for the introduction of a North Yorkshire Council Speed Management Strategy and the creation of two engineer posts to take forward a planned programme of speed limit reviews.

The Executive Member for Highways and Infrastructure has also asked for a report into the merits of Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) and Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) and a review of the Council’s current position.

To allow for the introduction of the NYC Speed Management Strategy and commencement of the planned programme of speed limit reviews.

Essentially, the alternative would be to retain the current reactive approach to speed limit reviews, which is reliant upon parish and town council and community groups service requests. This is not considered desirable when set against the benefits of a proactive and comprehensive strategy for speed management, as set out further in the SMS itself.