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*PART 1 – PUBLIC DOCUMENT AGENDA ITEM No. 9 TITLE OF REPORT: MOBILE SPEED INDICATOR SIGNS REPORT OF THE STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR SAFETY ENGINEERING 1. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT 1.1 To advise members of the initial results of the Speed Indicator Devices (SID) sign project and how it can be accessed. 2. SUMMARY 2.1 Speed Indicator Signs are similar signs to vehicle activated (VA) but are able to provide immediate information on approaching vehicle speeds. In April 2009 a pilot study to assess the effectiveness of these signs was undertaken in North Hertfordshire. Locations selected for the trial were both injury collision (speed related) but also local concern sites. Around 65 locations were reviewed, of which 15 were collision specific identified, with the majority being concern sites. 2.2 The project was initiated and funded via the Safety Engineering budget for the casualty reduction performance indicator (PI). However, the measures also have benefits for the speed compliance PI. The cost of the pilot study has been met jointly by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and Hertfordshire Constabulary. HCC has purchased three SID signs along with two speed data recorders (£15,000), whilst the Police have provided the staff (revenue costs) by using Ward Constables and Police Community Support Officers to operate the signs. 2.3 The collisions sites are identified using collision data on speed related collisions, while the community concern sites are identified and prioritised at quarterly meetings held within each ward with the local police constable. These meetings provide an opportunity for various issues including speed to be considered. These are called Priority Setting Forums. The signs follow a rota that enables all locations to be visited and further visits, if required, prioritised. 2.4 The feedback was very positive with the public and members indicating support for the pro-active approach and quicker responses to concerns. The data collected has also indicated reductions in collisions and traffic speeds. The traffic speed data has been shared with colleagues when identifying potential speed compliance schemes, as the SID signs provide only a short term remedial measure to the concerns or collisions. The data has also been useful when clarifying actual speeds, as opposed to those perceived. NHHP – JMP (25.10.10) 2.5 After the initial study was completed agreement was reached to extend the project to a countywide basis and this enables each of the 24 police neighbourhood teams to access the SID signs. An additional 20 signs were purchased at the end of the 2009-10 financial year via Safety Engineering and a further 3 via the Speed Compliance budget. 3. PRIORITY SETTING FORUMS 3.1 These meetings are held quarterly and enable the local community and members to discuss and agree future SID sign locations. Members or the public can propose locations and an agreement is reached with the police for the quantity of locations that can be visited. There is a set minimum threshold for visiting collision sites, but this is not an onerous task and ample time is available for community concern locations to be visited. 4. CURRENT SPEED AND COLLISION REDUCTION RESULTS 4.1 As the project is quite new, there is insufficient data to provide a meaningful before and after collision analysis at this point in time. To build up an accurate picture of whether particular measures have been successful analysis is usually based on a three year period to balance out any anomalous incidents. The same is also true for speed data but the police report that they consider both collisions and speeds have reduced. However, it is intended to provide data on both collisions and speeds on an annual basis at future JMP meetings. 5. RECOMMENDATION 5.1 Members are asked to note the report and advise the officers of their views. 6. CONTACT OFFICER Paul Selley NHHP – JMP (25.10.10) Strategy Development Manager 01707 356571 7. 9. IMPLICATIONS Financial: The revenue costs are undertaken by the police but fair wear and tear of the equipment will need to be incorporated within existing budgets. Staffing and Accommodation none Equal Opportunities: none Community Safety: The measures are intended to improve community safety by collision and speed reductions. Sustainability: none Human Rights: none BACKGROUND PAPERS Confidential personal injury accident data supplied by the police. Report to HCC Cabinet 9 February 2004 Department for Transport Highways Economic Note 2007 NHHP – JMP (25.10.10) THIS PAGE IS BLANK NHHP – JMP (25.10.10)