Agenda item

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 20-mph zones and the consultation process. Councillor McAndrew explained how the introduction of a LCWIP would help support the council in securing Government Grants.  He also referred to the issues caused by the introduction of traffic calming measures and people travelling at speed over humps. 

Councillor Clements asked about the limit of achieving change in terms of the constraints on what Councils and authorities were trying to achieve. County Councillor Bibby said that the chief constraint was funding. He confirmed that an LCWIP was needed to attract Government funding and said that a big barrier at consultation was the viewpoint from the public of “not in my backyard”. He confirmed that the LCWIP was needed to attract Government funding.  He said that a better approach was to take the public on the journey of the changes rather than imposing changes. Councillor Buckmaster added that it was easier to put measures in place in new growth areas to encourage people to walk to schools and shops.  Other areas were a challenge.

Councillor Clements sought clarification on the approach of clearing footpaths in winter months.  HCC Bibby explained the County Council’s priorities and explained the limitations. 

Councillor Carter asked what powers the police had to enforce against pavement parking. Sergeant Miller explained what constituted an obstruction said that some tickets were being issued for pavement parking as well as letters being sent to the registered keepers.  He explained that the fines issued were not to some people, much of a deterrent.

County Councillor Bibby explained that enforcement of double yellow lines and traffic regulation orders would not prevent 100% of illegal parking or vehicles obstructing the footway. He confirmed to Councillor Carter that there were strict criteria for the siting of fixed speed cameras and resources had to be directed to where it would make the most difference.

The Chairman, Councillor Andrews, referred to the need to educate people in respect of road safety. Councillor Nicholls commented on perceptions of speed and agreed with the need to educate parents regarding acceptable driving behaviour near schools.

Councillor Carter said that more work needed to be done to encourage walking over the use of the private motor car. Police Sergeant Miller explained the role of the Police in schools to educate children. 

The Chairman said he would encourage all schools to have travel plans and thanked County Councillor Bibby and Police Sergeant Miller for attending.  Councillor Andrews proposed and Councillor Carter seconded, a motion that the issue of Pedestrian Safety to brought back to Members following discussions between the Chairman and Vice Chairman on a way forward. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the issue of pedestrian safety be brought back to Members following discussion between the Chairman and Vice Chairman on a way forward.