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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)
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NHHP – JMP (25.10.10)