Issue - meetings
Petitions (if any)
Meeting: 16/01/2023 - Cabinet (Item 5)
Petitions (if any)
To discuss any petitions from members of the public, in accordance with Standing Order 66.
Additional documents:
Decision:
5.1 Pedestrian Safety at the Junction Between Sidmouth Road, Milverton Road and Alverstone Road
Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Dr Deborah Eppel, in presenting a petition which contained 232 signatures, speaking on behalf of local residents living in the area surrounding Sidmouth Road, highlighting concerns relating to the safety of pedestrians at the junction between Sidmouth Road, Milverton Road and Alverstone Road, due to fast travelling vehicles from multiple directions, poor visibility and lack of suitable pedestrian crossings.
In addressing Cabinet, Dr Deborah Eppel highlighted the following key issues:
· Whilst aware there had only been one reported minor collision in the past 3 years, in which a cyclist had been injured, Dr Eppel questioned the number of unreported incidents and near-misses.
· Concerns had been reported to the Council’s Traffic Engineers who whilst recognising the issues raised had advised that funding was not currently available to install a pedestrian island given the TfL priority criteria for schemes based on collision and injury data. Dr Eppel was concerned this meant the safety of pedestrians would remain in jeopardy with local residents keen to ensure action was taken prior to any more serious injury or accident occurring at the junction.
· Whilst the Council’s Transportation Team had advised, in response to the petition, that it would be possible to consider the installation of a pedestrian island at the junction this was unlikely to be until 2025/26 based on TfL funding becoming available and the necessary priority being met. Any earlier consideration would only be based on additional funding becoming available.
To improve pedestrian safety, Dr Eppel therefore advised Cabinet that the petition was requesting that consideration be given to the provision of the necessary additional funding and review of priorities for 2023/24 to provide for the installation of a pedestrian island on Sidmouth Road, near the junction with Milverton Road and Alverstone Road given the safety concerns identified and proximity of the junction to local schools, nurseries, and other community buildings.
In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, acknowledged the concerns of residents. In highlighting the Council’s commitment to improving road safety, as set out within the Long Term Strategy Review, she outlined the approach taken which had needed to be focussed on the priority of locations with the most significant accident problems along with the availability of funding to design and install speed reduction and pedestrian safety measures. Whilst keen to address the concerns identified, Councillor Krupa Sheth felt it important to recognise that the level of TfL funding available to deal with these type of requests was unfortunately insufficient to meet current levels of demand, hence the need to prioritise potential locations for funding. Whilst an assessment of the latest available personal injury data for the location had recorded only one slight accident she had, however, asked officers (in response to the petition) to undertake a further review of the site based on an assessment of other factors including existing road condition, vehicle speeds, ... view the full decision text for item 5
Minutes:
5.1 Pedestrian Safety at the Junction Between Sidmouth Road, Milverton Road and Alverstone Road
Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) welcomed Dr Deborah Eppel to the meeting, who he advised had been invited to speak on behalf of local residents living in the area surrounding Sidmouth Road, highlighting concerns relating to the safety of pedestrians at the junction between Sidmouth Road, Milverton Road and Alverstone Road due to the volume and speed of traffic, poor visibility and lack of a suitable pedestrian crossing. Members were advised that the request to speak and actions being sought in response were supported by a petition which contained 232 signatories.
In addressing Cabinet, Dr Deborah Eppel highlighted the following key issues:
· Whilst aware there had only been one reported minor collision accident at the junction in the past 3 years, in which a cyclist had been injured, Dr Eppel questioned the number of unreported incidents and near-misses.
· Concerns had been reported to the Council’s Traffic Engineers who, whilst recognising the issues raised had advised that funding was not currently available to install a pedestrian island given the Transport for London (TfL) priority criteria for schemes based on collision and injury data. Dr Eppel was concerned this meant the safety of pedestrians would remain in jeopardy, with local resident’s keen to ensure action was taken prior to any more serious injury or accident occurring at the junction.
· Whilst the Council’s Transportation Team had advised, in response to the petition, that it would be possible to consider the installation of a pedestrian island at the junction this was unlikely to be until 2025/26 and would be based on the availability of TfL funding and the necessary priority being met. Any earlier consideration would only be based on additional funding becoming available.
To improve pedestrian safety, Dr Eppel therefore advised Cabinet that the petition was requesting consideration be given to the provision of the necessary additional funding and review of priorities for 2023/24 to provide for the installation of a pedestrian island on Sidmouth Road, near the junction with Milverton Road and Alverstone Road taking account of the safety concerns identified and proximity of the junction to local schools, nurseries, and other community buildings.
In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, acknowledged the concerns of residents. In highlighting the Council’s commitment to improving road safety, as set out within the Council’s Long Term Transport Strategy, she outlined the approach taken which it was pointed out had needed to be focussed on the priority of locations with the most significant accident problems along with the availability of funding to design and install speed reduction and pedestrian safety measures. Whilst keen to address the concerns identified, Councillor Krupa Sheth felt it important to recognise that the level of TfL funding available to deal with these types of requests was unfortunately insufficient to meet current levels of demand, hence the need to prioritise potential locations for funding. Whilst an assessment of the ... view the full minutes text for item 5