Agenda item

Considered – Report of the public statement and response text referred from the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee (H&K ACC) on 23 November 2023.

Hazel Peacock attended to read out her original public statement to the committee, following which Allan McVeigh, Head of Network Strategy, then read out the response provided at the H&K ACC meeting.

A discussion then followed, in which questions and comments raised by elected members included:

·         Councillor Arnold Warneken asked whether major streets in Harrogate were not able to be classified as 20mph speed limit zones because of the large volume of traffic on them? For example, on Hookstone Road or Wetherby Road in Harrogate, is the volume of traffic so high that it cannot be considered for speed reclassification. In response, it was noted that traffic volume is one of the considerations for implementing 20mph speed limits, but it is not the only one or the overriding one. Other factors include the collision history of the road, the composition of the road users, the function of the road, the proximity to schools and high footfall areas – a whole host of different criteria set out in the DfT circular 01/2013 – ‘Setting local speed limits’.

·         Reference was made to plans for the Harrogate Gateway scheme and comments made concerning potential speed restrictions on Station Parade.

·         There was a concern of transparency for the public on how to find out what a main road is defined as to assist when making an application for a 20mph speed limit. It was also asked whether road category information could be made available in a user friendly way on the Council’s website. In response, it was noted that road category information is set out in the Code of Practice for Highways Maintenance. The road network is set out and categorised according to its functions, such as whether it is a strategic road designed to move high volumes of traffic over long distances, or is it more residential in nature for pedestrians and cyclists to use. Effectively, you have a road hierarchy that sets this out in North Yorkshire, from category 2 roads, which are strategic roads, going down to 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b. Typically in North Yorkshire, carriageways are category 2 or category 3 roads.

·         In terms of transparency, the network hierarchy for North Yorkshire is online, but it is accepted by officers that it is difficult to find currently. It is proposed to make this more visible by sitting a table alongside the 20mph Speed Limit and Zone Policy on the website, so that the reader can refer to both documents at the same time. A series of planned speed limit reviews across the whole of the network in North Yorkshire, both urban and rural, are to be undertaken in the coming months and years, so officers will be proactively engaging with communities.

·         Councillor Hannah Gostlow asked what the impact would be if the speed limit reductions had taken place on the roads under discussion. Is the issue the delays to journeys? In response, it was explained that delays is not necessarily the main factor, there is also the congestion and negative impact on air quality to consider alongside this.

·         It was asked if physical barriers could be used to protect pedestrians on narrow pavements?

·         A Member felt as a council we need to listen to the priorities of local people and change our default position, to look at different ways of doing things.

·         In response on a question on enforcement, it was noted that North Yorkshire Police has commissioned a study to look at the feasibility of fixed and average speed cameras in the county, it is an active project.

·         On implementing 20mph speed limits outside schools, it was emphasised that the revised policy states that there will be more 20mph speed limits outside schools and high footfall areas.

·         It was reaffirmed that the local elected member will be a central part of the local engagement process in any traffic plans put forward.

·         Councillor Paul Haslam asked if there is a halfway house option of a timed window of speed restrictions. In response, it was not believed that this was enforceable, but the officer committed to coming back with a fuller response.

·         Councillor David Ireton felt that motorists do not take notice of speed limits unless they are enforced.

·         The pros and cons of introducing 20mph speed limits in other areas of the country, and how much this was accounted for when developing the revised policy for North Yorkshire was asked about. In response, the background research undertaken of 20mph schemes elsewhere in the country, such as in Wales, Scotland and other parts of England was set out and formed a key part of the most recent report to the Executive.

·         Councillor David Jeffels asked in areas where there are difficulties introducing a specific speed limit, can Vehicle Activated Signs display ‘Slow Down’ to offer more flexibility.

Despite not implementing 20mph speed limits on the roads in question, officers explained that they are engaging with alternative options to keep road users safe. As part of this:

o    Road signage and lining reviews are taking place to see if improvement measures can be made.

o    A pilot School Streets, the first in North Yorkshire, has been introduced for Oatlands Junior School to limit traffic in term time.

o    Officers are recommending a 20mph speed limit in front of one entrance to Oatlands Infants School

o    Traffic calming measures including a 20mph speed limit on Oatlands Drive and a new crossing point at the end of Oatlands Drive

o    Seeking to improve and widen the existing crossing at St Aidan’s CE High School.

There is one school that is not covered as part of these improvements outside it, but officers are working with that school on travel planning and improving the existing signing and lining. Officers are also meeting with the primary school on Wetherby Road and are committed to a review of the signage and lining and the existing crossing points on that road.

A significant amount of work has been undertaken to review these areas for potential improvements, and later this year the extensive implementation of 20mph speed limits in residential areas in South and West of Harrogate.

A proposal was moved and seconded to set up a Task and Finish group to consider the issues raised in detail, to review current policies and their impact in terms of making road safer for all users, in particular people and active travel alongside the good work already underway.

Upon being put to the vote, this proposal was lost.

In summing up the discussion, the Chair noted he was reassured by the ongoing and commitment to proactive work by officers and that the local member is a key part of any consultation process for speed limit mitigation work. A future update from officers on how this area of work is progressing, picking up the main issues raised by elected members at the meeting, was requested.

Resolved – That the further information and clarifications requested form part of a future report to the Transport, Economy, Environment and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee.