a) To consider the Speed Limit Review, with Councillor Dick Tonge (Cabinet member for Transport and Highways) in attendance.
b) To receive an introduction and a demonstration from the Community Speed Watch Coordinator Elizabeth Ngero.
Minutes:
a) Speed Limit Review
Councillor Dick Tonge explained the background to the Speed Limit Review. Some of the points raised were:
· In August 2006 the Department of Transport (DoT) issued new guidance to Highways Authorities regarding the setting of speed limits.
· All Highways Authorities were requested to complete an assessment of existing speed limits on A and B Class roads, in line with revised guidance, and implement any amendments arising from this process by 2011.
· A review had been carried out and a set of recommendations had been compiled, and distributed in the form of a CD to all Parish Councils for consultation.
· All comments and suggestions received during consultation would be taken into consideration.
· Any suggestion which Wiltshire Council felt was contentious would be discussed with the Parish Council who had raised it.
· Consultation ends 5 February 2010.
Some points and questions raised from those present were:
· Some Parishes were not supportive of the recommendations set out in the report, and asked what criteria had been used to arrive at them.
· The criteria used had been set out by Government.
· There was some concern over a lack of communication with other Authorities along Wiltshire Council’s borders.
· In some instances where local conditions went against the Government recommendations, local knowledge/comments would need to be given consideration.
· The Review would consider all suggestions and comments submitted by Parishes, any disputed issues would be discussed with the Parish concerned.
Councillor Tonge also spoke about the recent weather conditions where Wiltshire had experienced heavy snow and ice causing complications on roads and to services such as schools. He gave an update on how Wiltshire Council had set about relieving the situation. Some points covered were:
The Chairman thanked Councillor Tonge for attending the meeting, and urged any Parish who had not yet replied to the Speed Limit consultation, to do so.
b) Community Speed Watch
Community Speed Watch (CSW) Co-ordinator Elizabeth Ngero gave an overview on the scheme. Points covered were:
For more information on Community Speed Watch, and how to get involved in a scheme in your area, please contact Tom Bray on 01722 434252 or tom.bray@wiltshire.gov.uk