Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment to present the recommendation from Place and Resources Overview Committee of 6 October 2022.

(a)           That the policy for setting the principles, criteria, and process for 20mph schemes, as amended below, be approved.

“That the wording in Appendix B, relating to the requirement to undertake a survey of residents and the requirement to have a threshold level of support of 60% from the respondents of households affected by the proposed 20mph scheme, should be removed, and changed to ‘must be able to demonstrate and quantify community support for the initiative’, to be in line with the wording of ‘criteria c’”

(b)           That the policy be reviewed 1 year after adoption.

Reason for decision

To ensure speed limit consistency across Dorset.

Cllr S Gibson, Lead Member for Highways presented the report and the recommendation from the Place and Resources Overview Committee of 6 October 2022.

The Portfolio Holder for Highway, Travel and Environment proposed the recommendation, and this was seconded by Cllr G Carr-Jones.

Members spoke in support of the proposal and the Portfolio Holder confirmed that a policy review would take place after a year by Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee. The Chairman of Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee also requested that an update report be presented to the committee after 6 months of operation.  In response Chairman suggested that this should be discussed outside of the meeting.

Decision

(a)           That the policy for setting the principles, criteria, and process for 20mph schemes, as amended below, be approved.

“That the wording in Appendix B, relating to the requirement to undertake a survey of residents and the requirement to have a threshold level of support of 60% from the respondents of households affected by the proposed 20mph scheme, should be removed, and changed to ‘must be able to demonstrate and quantify community support for the initiative’, to be in line with the wording of ‘criteria c’”

(b)           That the policy be reviewed 1 year after adoption.

Reason for decision

To ensure speed limit consistency across Dorset.

To consider a report of the Road Safety Manager.

The committee considered a report of the Road Safety Manager, which provided information on the review of the guidance for setting the principles, criteria, and process for 20mph schemes.  The Place and Resources Overview Committee was invited to review the guidance ahead of consideration at Cabinet.

Councillors considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion the following areas were covered:

·            Members of the committee expressed thanks to those members of the public that had submitted questions and statements in respect of the item

·            Concern was expressed about the reference in Appendix B to the requirement to undertake a survey of residents and the requirement to have a threshold level of support of 60% from the respondents of households affected by the proposed 20mph scheme.  This was felt to be too onerous for smaller communities and that it should be for applicants to determine how support and evidence was gathered, which could include different approaches.  Reference was made to the wording included in ‘criteria c’ in the policy, which was felt to be adequate and set out what was required.  A request was made that the wording relating to a survey and threshold limit should be removed from Appendix B and changed to ‘must be able to demonstrate and quantify community support for the initiative’, to be in line with the wording of ‘criteria c’.  This suggestion to be forwarded to Cabinet for consideration

·            The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment and Lead Member for Highways noted that there was a need for a clear, data led demonstration of community support and a framework within which applications could be considered

·            Consideration of the length of time to process an application, including process and costs

·            A discussion was held on the requirement to establish a community speed watch.  The Head of Highways noted that although a community speed watch did not have to be in place, it was beneficial if it was and that parish and town councils that wanted one, should be encouraged and supported.  The Head of Highways confirmed that this could be supported through a minor amendment to the policy

·            Discussion relating to the condition around average speeds being below 24mph and whether this was appropriate criteria

·            The Council could review the process after a period of implementation, and it was suggested this take place after 1 year.

It was proposed by T Coombs seconded by S Jespersen

Recommendation to Cabinet

a.          That the policy for setting the principles, criteria, and process for 20mph schemes be approved with the comment as set out below;

b.          That the policy be reviewed 1 year after adoption.

Comment from the Place and Resources Overview Committee:

·            That the wording in Appendix B, relating to the requirement to undertake a survey of residents and the requirement to have a threshold level of support of 60% from the respondents of households affected by the proposed 20mph scheme, should be removed and changed to ‘must be able to demonstrate and quantify community support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27