Agenda item

Allan McVeigh, Head of Network Strategy, delivered a presentation, raising the following key points.

 

·         Regarding collision data – It was clarified that personal injury collisions are classified as fatal, serious, or slight, and that near misses and damage-only collisions are not recorded. Analysis typically uses 3-5 years of data as older data is less relevant to current conditions. The collision numbers in the area for the previous three years and the draft unvalidated numbers for the calendar year to date were presented for information. It was reported that the A19 ranks second by collision numbers, ninth by collisions per kilometre and was not in the top ten in terms of the number of collisions per billion vehicle kilometres travelled – the latter two statistics were reported to be better measurements of risk.

 

·         Regarding fatal collisions – It was reported that fatal collisions trigger in-depth joint investigations with the police and that recommendations from these investigations identify factors on the road that might have contributed to the collision, as well as factors that are deemed to be more minor or unrelated to the fatality. Five fatal collisions occurred this year, including one at Riccall where five recommendations were identified.

 

·         Regarding route studies – ‘Cluster sites’ prompt review, though action depends on underlying patterns or clear trends to the collision history. As well as ‘Cluster Sites’, it was reported that route studies are carried out on an annual basis, with statistics being used to determine whether action is required in specific areas. Six routes were reviewed this year, including the B1222. The junctions at Riccall were then discussed and it was reported that there was a ‘Cluster Site’ at Riccall between 2000 and 2005, but that due to improvements, collisions have reduced.

 

·         Regarding speed limit guidance – It was explained that the A19 currently has a 60mph limit due to its characteristics, but that a flexible approach allows a 50mph limit to be investigated. Under guidance, it was reported that a 40mph is unsuitable and would likely cause compliance issues due to the limit not being proportionate to the local surroundings and road characteristics. Jon Hunter, North Yorkshire Police, supported Allan’s comments on 40mph limits, noting compliance depends on environment and driver perception and highlighting that rural areas would require continuous enforcement. A 50mph limit is planned for the Riccall stretch of the A19 and it is aimed that this will be in place by February/March 2026. Gateway features, rumble strips, roundels, and permanent Vehicle Activated Signs are also planned.

 

·         Regarding wider work – It was reported that there is a countywide review of speed limits around schools, and it was explained that there is now a presumption in favour of lower limits. The draft speed management strategy aims to provide a planned programme of speed limit reviews. School parking measures were briefly discussed. It was reported that as well as engaging on speed limit reduction schemes, parishes can buy temporary VAS for £5,000. Permanent VAS can also be installed where there is an existing speed-related collision problem. Information was provided on air quality, how it is measured and the action plans that are prepared to tackle with problems.

 

·         Regarding partnerships – It was reported that through the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, officers worked with several partners. There is a focus on education, enforcement and engineering. It was highlighted that fixed safety cameras are an area of regular interest but are not currently approved for use on the local road network. This is under consideration, specifically where they may deliver a road safety benefit, but the financial sustainability of the cameras would need to be investigated.

 

During the discussion, the following points were raised.

 

·         Members noted that, following the implementation of 50mph speed limit measures at Riccall, it was unlikely the limit would be further reduced to 40mph.

·         It was highlighted that children regularly need to cross the road when returning from school at Riccall.

·         Members suggested Riccall could be considered as a potential location for a trial of fixed speed cameras.

·         Concerns were raised about frequent accidents, including fatalities, at Cattal Crossroads. Despite the installation of safety measures, issues persist, partly due to sat navs indicating a straight route. A suggestion was made to stagger the junction, which officers agreed to review.

·         Concerns were raised about accidents at Rudgate Junction, attributed to poor sight lines and inadequate verge maintenance on a bend. Officers agreed to look into this area.

·         A request was made for timescales for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for Sickling Hall and the primary school, noting the complexity due to the school’s location within a 30mph zone adjacent to a 60mph zone. Officers confirmed they would provide the timeline and review the matter.

·         Members expressed concern about heavy traffic on the A19 from Doncaster to Selby, particularly HGVs passing through villages, with little improvement to the road. A roundabout at Burn Crossroads was suggested, but officers noted this had been considered and rejected due to cost.

·         Members highlighted the benefits of fixed speed cameras and suggested their introduction be investigated. Officers clarified that speed enforcement is the responsibility of the police, not the council, and reported that a review was underway considering options such as fixed and average speed cameras and partnership arrangements. Mobile cameras were noted as flexible, while average cameras were seen as particularly effective. The review was expected to conclude by year-end, but implementation would take time.

·         A question was raised about whether all accidents were known, as many may go unreported. Officers confirmed that all collisions involving personal injury are recorded by North Yorkshire Police, but data on damage-only collisions or near misses is difficult to collect.

·         Officers stated that while Department for Transport guidance is applied consistently across the county, local circumstances are also considered.

·         Officers highlighted that plans to proactively engage with communities on lower speed limits represented a significant cultural shift for North Yorkshire Council compared to previous years.

·         Concerns were expressed about road safety in Sherburn in Elmet, noting a high number of serious and fatal accidents on the B1222 and surrounding roads. Speed limits were frequently exceeded and enforcement was limited. Increased enforcement and changes to speed limits were suggested, and a site meeting with highways officers and the police was requested. Officers agreed to review the issues and consider a site visit.

·         Members queried whether traffic volume was considered when deciding if priority should change at a specific crossroads. Officers confirmed it is a factor and agreed to review the location mentioned.

·         A request was made for a safe crossing over the A63 at Cliffe, as the school is on the south side of the road while most residents live on the north side. Officers agreed to review this.

·         It was suggested that the speed limit be reduced to 30mph on the A63 at Osgodby to accommodate a new school and additional housing. Officers agreed to review this.

·         Members suggested holding regular meetings as all members had issues in their areas. It was acknowledged that while Riccall was a single issue, it had prompted a valuable discussion that the committee should have more frequently. In response, Officers highlighted that regular reports had previously been provided to Area Committees, but that these were stopped to avoid duplication with Scrutiny Committees.

 

Following the discussion, Members proposed three recommendations.

 

1.    That the committee recommend to North Yorkshire Council that all possible measures be taken to introduce a 40mph speed limit in the area around Riccall, including up to and beyond the village, and that consideration be given to installing average speed cameras at either end of the stretch of road.

 

2.    That the committee receive at least an annual review of road safety in the area, with a report of similar detail and quality to the one presented at this meeting, and that North Yorkshire Police be invited to attend.

 

3.    That officers adopt a more proactive approach to communication with members, ensuring that members are routinely informed in the event of a serious or fatal collision within their division.

 

A vote was taken and the above recommendations were agreed unanimously.

 

Resolved

 

a)    That the Committee recommend that all possible measures be taken to introduce a 40mph speed limit in the area around Riccall, including up to and beyond the village, and that consideration be given to installing average speed cameras at either end of the stretch of road.

 

b)    That the Committee receive at least an annual review of road safety in the area, with a report of similar detail and quality to the one presented at this meeting, and that North Yorkshire Police be invited to attend.

 

c)    That officers adopt a more proactive approach to communication with members, ensuring that members are routinely informed in the event of a serious or fatal collision within their division.