NETHERCOURT HILL - 30MPH SPEED LIMIT – Member Highway Fund Scheme

RESULTS OF CONSULTATION

To:                               Thanet Joint Transportation Board, 23^rd November 2011

Main Portfolio Area:     KCC – Enterprise and Environment

By:                               Director of Highways, Kent County Council

Classification:              Unrestricted

Ward:                           Nethercourt                       Division:Ramsgate

Summary:                   The report summarises the results of the consultation for a proposed extension of the existing 30mph speed limit in High Street St Lawrence to include Nethercourt Hill.

For Decision

1.0 Introduction and Background

1.1 Kent County Council (KCC) is proposing the introduction of a 30mph speed limit in Nethercourt Hill.

1.2 Residents have requested that Nethercourt Hill be made 30mph for its whole length from the point where Nethercourt Hill becomes High Street St Lawrence to the junction with the Nethercourt Circus roundabout.

1.3 The principal scheme aim is to improve pedestrian safety and advise drivers that they need to maintain lower speeds in the area. Previously a Crash Remedial Measures scheme was introduced in Nethercourt Hill and Canterbury Road East to help improve crossing facilities in the area, through the introduction of kerb build outs and hatching. The improvements aimed to help reduce vehicle speeds, but a 30mph speed limit was not introduced as part of this scheme.

1.4 Previously a crash record was present in Nethercourt Hill but, the scheme which was introduced in 2008/2009 has helped to reduce the number of crashes in this location. Since 2008, 3 slight injury crashes have been recorded in Nethercourt Hill. Two of these crashes were caused by drivers failing to stop and the third was caused by a collision whilst a driver was turning right out of the Nethercourt caravan park entrance. We have also been advised about a recent crash related fatality in this location but, have not yet received a detailed report from Kent Police regarding this crash.

2.0       Summary of consultation response

2.1       A scheme proposal was prepared and a traffic regulation order (TRO) consultation was carried out at the end of October. The scheme proposal may be seen in Annex 1.

2.2 The consultation period ran for 3 weeks, from 30^th October to 21^st November 2011. Site notices were erected in Nethercourt Hill and nearby roads and a newspaper advert was displayed in the Kent on Sunday. Additionally councillors and other statutory consultees were sent consultation packs via post.

2.3 Responses to this consultation will be updated verbally by the District Manager at this JTB.  If no objections are received then the scheme will be progressed as outlined.

2.4 All of the consultation information was made available on the www.kent.gov.uk website, which included the opportunity to comment via an email feedback form. Other consultees directly contacted included Thanet District Council, the local District and County Councillors, the emergency services and bus companies.

2.5 A copy of the consultation responses can be viewed upon request.

3.0 Financial

3.1       The scheme will include the cost of signing the new speed limit and the removal of existing speed terminals signs at the junction of Nethercourt Hill and Nethercourt Farm Road. Kent County Councillor Elizabeth Green has chosen to use some of her Member Highway Fund allocation to progress and construct this scheme.

4.0       Recommendation

4.1       Funding is to be fully delivered by Elizabeth Green and based on the results of the TRO consultation it is recommended that the scheme proceed as outlined.

Contact Officer:	Ryan Shiel, Traffic Engineer   08458 247800
Reporting to:	Andy Corcoran, Traffic Schemes and Member Highway Fund Manager

Annex List

Annex 1

Scheme Proposal / Plan

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NETHERCOURT HILL - 30MPH SPEED LIMIT – Member Highway Fund Scheme

Annex 1 – Scheme Proposal / Plan