Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Communities and Environment which provides an update on police related activities to address anti-social driving behaviour across the district and overview of the progress made on the Leeds Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) road casualty reduction programmes with the emphasis on reducing casualties for vulnerable road users.

The report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Communities provided an update on police related activities to address anti-social driving behaviour across the district and provided an overview of the progress made on the Leeds Killed or seriously injured (KSI) road casualty programmes.

The following were in attendance:

• Andrew Hall – Head of Transportation, City Development
• Paul Money – Chief Officer Safer Leeds, Communities and Environment
• Harvinder Saimbhi – Head of Operational Delivery, Communities and Environment
• James Rogers – Director Communities and Environment
• Inspector Nick Berry – West Yorkshire Police
• Superintendent Mark Jessop – West Yorkshire Police

·  Cllr. D Coupar – Executive Member for Communities

Also in attendance, to undertake a joint scrutiny of this item,  representatives of the Scrutiny Board  (Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth):

• Cllr Truswell (Chair and member of the Scrutiny Board Environment, Housing and Communities)
• Councillor Shahzad
• Councillor Carlill
• Councillor Harrison
• Councillor R Grahame

Key areas discussed were:

·  The importance of partnership working between LASBT, Localities, Policing and Highways.

·  The role of the local community in terms of gathering evidence to identify areas for concern. Members sought clarity on points of contacts for local communities to report issues.

·  Driver behaviour and the increased use of drug testing kits.

·  Clarity was sought regarding addressing bike related anti-social behaviour, the measurements in place to combat issues and the level of police resources provided for off road bike problems. It was confirmed that this is a team of 4 officers covering the Leeds area. The Board were advised that over the past 12 months the team have responded to over 700 calls and seized 177 bikes, the majority of which were stolen.

·  The policy review and changes with regard to the pursuit of off road bikes and quadbikes.

·  The coordination of 6 Inspectors in the Neighbourhood Policing Team’s (NPT’s) and their involvement in identifying and dealing with speeding.

·  Concern regarding the enforcement of 20mph zones. The Board was advised that some zones are ‘self-enforcing’ through the provision of traffic calming. The Board were informed of the tactical approach to the enforcement of speed limits and that local intelligence was useful to identify areas of focus, therefore the public are encouraged to report concerns.

·  The criteria and provision for the deployment of speed cameras.

·  The use of MICE funding for the delivery of pro laser training courses in Rothwell and Middleton

·  Clarity was sought on the process of reviewing speed limits and the framework in place to assist with this.

·  Member’s referred to the latest statistic on Leeds Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) and were informed of enforcement measurements in place in an attempt to tackle the key collision issues.

·  Concern regarding the length time taken for the courts to process cases. The Board were advised that Safer Leeds are aiming to establish closer links with the CPS and the Courts, and would seek representation on the ‘Silver’ Group.

·  Clarity was sought regarding income streams from road safety/enforcement; Members were advised that all income is re-invested into improving road safety such as digital cameras.

During consideration of this item, Cllr. Akhtar withdrew for a short while.

RESOLVED- The Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities):

a)  Noted the contents of the report and progress made.

b)  Noted the Board’s discussions and the issues identified for further consideration.