Agenda item

To receive reports from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development and Director of City Development regarding Road Casualty Reduction and 20mph Speed Limits in Leeds

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which presented information in relation to the Board’s review of road casualty reduction and 20mph speed limits in Leeds.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Extract from the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Plan 2013-18 in relation to road safety

-  Extract from the Draft Annual Report 2014/15 of the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire

-  Report and supporting information to Scrutiny Board (City Development) in relation to road casualty reduction and initiatives

-  Previous reports and minutes to Scrutiny Board (Sustainable Economy and Culture) regarding 20mph speed limits in Leeds held on 18 November 2014 and 17 March 2015.

The following representatives were in attendance:

-  Councillor Mark Dobson, Executive Member (Environmental Protection and Community Safety)

-  Councillor Gerry Harper, Deputy Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning)

-  Councillor Kim Groves (Chair of former Scrutiny Board (Sustainable Economy and Culture) which undertook an inquiry into the provision of 20mph speed limits in Leeds

-  Christopher Slade, 20’s Plenty for Us

-  Inspector Nick Berry, Safer Leeds / West Yorkshire Police

-  Andrew Hall, Head of Transportation, City Development

-  Becky James, Team Leader (Road Safety), City Development.

The key areas of discussion were:

·  Following concern that killed and seriously injured (KSI) statistics were higher than target, the Board was advised that road injuries and fatalities in Leeds were previously at an all-time low, however the half year figure for 2015 showed an increase when compared to last year.  The majority of casualties occurred on busy roads.  An increase in people cycling had resulted in more cycling casualties.

·  The development of 20mph zones, particularly targeting areas close to schools.

·  The review and refresh of the Leeds Safer Roads action plan as part of the Single Transport Plan.

·  Raising awareness and education in schools, especially in terms of tackling pedestrian safety. The Board was advised that education programmes continued to be rolled out across the city.  Approximately 250 schools had signed up to 20mph programme and 7,000 children had signed up to bikeability cycle training.

·  Acknowledgement regarding the importance of focusing on education and modification of driver behaviour, but also the clear need for robust enforcement to tackle the minority of reckless drivers.

·  The need for greater enforcement of 20mph zones and introduction of tougher penalties for speeding. The Board was advised that 20mph zones should be self-policing through the use of traffic calming measures in addition to speed restriction signs.

·  Clarification regarding the process for commissioning 20mph zones.

·  The various approaches implemented in other parts of the UK and their effectiveness.  The consideration of the approach and cost to identify whether a blanket or targeted strategy to the implementation of 20mph zones should be supported by the Scrutiny Board.

·  The role of Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) and the need for greater consistency across the city.

·  Confirmation that speed indicator devices (SIDs) were available for loan-outs to NPTs, Ward Members and local neighbourhood groups.

·  An update on initiatives aimed at addressing poor cycling behaviour, including, red light running and cycling on pavements.

·  Development of the city connect programme to improve road infrastructure and make the city more cycle friendly.

·  The role of the local community in terms of gathering intelligence and identifying hotspot areas.

·  The dangers posed by off-road motorcycles and quad bikes.

·  The use of Section 59 notices in tackling driving related anti-social behaviour.

·  Concern regarding response when reporting incidents using the police non-emergency number.

·  The need for improvements to road markings and traffic calming measures in some parts of the city.

·  The road safety priority for the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner and a suggestion that the Safer Leeds Strategy be updated to include reference to road safety.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Board endorses the approach undertaken regarding road casualty reduction and targeted approach to the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Leeds.

(b)  That the Board be updated on inclusion of road safety in the Safer Leeds Strategy.