Issue - meetings

The Scrutiny Officer submitted a report that considered the issue of pedestrian safety in Hertford Castle Ward, and in particular, focussed on a number of concerns that had been raised by Councillor Carter.

Councillor Carter set out the reasons for submitting this matter for scrutiny. She referred to specific evidence from Hertford Castle Ward and the evidence encouraging people to walk as well as residents feeling safe whilst walking and cycling.

Councillor Carter put several questions to Hertfordshire County Councillor Phil Bibby in respect of travel policy and whether equality was given to pedestrians and cyclists and how this was reflected in budgets, whether there was any specific funding for new projects and was funding ring-fenced for pedestrians and pavement repairs.  She commented that it was easier to get a pothole filled than to fix a pavement considered to be too narrow.

County Councillor Bibby talked about the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) policy and the cyclist and pedestrian first approach. He summarised the process for budgeting for road and footway repairs and repairs to cycleways. Councillor Bibby set out the size guidelines worked to in respect of site surveys and repairs to defects to roads, cycleways and footways.

Councillor Carter commented that many motorists were driving too fast and that many communities e.g. Hornsmill, would like to see a 20mph introduced into the area. County Councillor Bibby said that schools featured strongly in the criteria for 20-mph speed limits. He commented on the significant capital costs of setting up a 20-mph zones in potentially 500 areas in the County in terms of the traffic calming measures that were required to force motorists to drive more slowly. He explained the needs intervention policy which ensured that surfaces were reviewed regularly,

Councillor Buckmaster touched on road conditions and Hertfordshire County Council speed and volume studies. He also mentioned public engagement and the response rates to statutory consultation. He talked about initiatives to make walking a more attractive option such as cutting back weeds to prevent the narrowing of footways.

Councillor Buckmaster referred to the problems associated with pavement parking forcing some pedestrians out onto the road when negotiating parked vehicles. He talked about school drop off and pick times and advisory 20-mph speed limits.  He explained the process involved in supporting a request for a 20mph and the need for open consultation. 

Councillor Redfern expressed her concerns in respect of pavement parking. County Councillor Bibby said that enforcement against pavement parking only displaced the problem to other locations. He also talked about the weight of evidence required in terms of accident statistics before action could be taken to enforce a lower speed limit.

Police Sergeant Miller talked about enforcement of speeds using speed camera traps and traffic speed boards. He said that the police did what they could and there was a balancing exercise of demand versus available resources. 

Councillor McAndrew addressed the Committee at length in respect of Local Cycling Walking and Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) and the policing of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 130