At around the same time we also received requests from a number of residents in that area for dropped kerbs to be installed to allow for better access for wheelchair and pushchair users.
Rather than waste time waiting for the petition to go through the formal process at county hall we immediately asked highways officers to take a closer look at whether it would be possible to install dropped kerbs and traffic calming measures at this location.
We were told that this could only go ahead if two conditions were fully met; firstly that a traffic survey and public consultation be carried out in the area to assess the need for traffic calming measures, and secondly on condition that we could secure the funding to carry out the works.
We are pleased to confirm that earlier this week we were told that we had been successful in securing the funding required for the works. All that remains to be done now is for the highways section to carry out the traffic survey in Hazel Drive to provide the evidence needed to commission the traffic calming measures required.
Please note that traffic calming measures will only be installed if a need for them can be identified following assessment, and also if residents are in agreement on the specific location and type of works required. For information we have reproduced below the guidance we were given in October:
Dear Councillors
In response to your request for consideration of the provision of traffic calming for Hazel Drive in Hesleden, I can provide the following information. I should advise that there is a process we have to follow when considering requests for traffic calming.
The first part of the process is to consider factual vehicle speed data – this is generally from speed surveys or information from the Police via Community Speed Watch activities. Unfortunately we have not received a similar request previously or had complaints of vehicle speeds therefore I do not have any speed survey data which I could consider at this time. Therefore I will arrange for survey work to be carried out to obtain this data. This data will then be analysed to determine the severity and extent of the issue. We also analyse any accident data from personal injury accidents to see if there are any particular causation factors which may influence the provision of a scheme. Once this has been done I will discuss the findings with you. This can usually take a month depending upon demands for surveys.
Assuming a scheme can be justified from the data analysis, we will then provide a draft scheme which should comply with the legal requirements for traffic calming provision. To give you an idea, initially I would envisage three humps on the main through road and a single one on the northern loop round the green.
The next stage is to prepare the necessary funding applications and seek approval. Unfortunately this part of the process can be lengthy (up to 3 months) depending upon when the board meetings are to consider/approve the applications.
A detailed design is then completed and this will be subject to consultation in accordance with the legal requirements. In addition to this we also consult with the residents who are likely to be affected by the scheme. The consultation period is a minimum of three weeks. We then consider any objections we receive against the scheme and whether there are any measures or changes which can ease concerns.
The next part of the process is to prepare reports seeking approvals to initiate the legal process. The proposed traffic calming scheme is then formally advertised and open to legal challenge.
If after all this there are outstanding objections which cannot be resolved, they will have to be reported to the Council’s Highways Committee which will consider the arguments. The Committee could require the scheme to be re-designed or abandoned if it is not approved.
Assuming approval of the scheme we are now at a position to place an order for the works to be constructed. The lead in time for this can be up to 2 months while a slot in the works programme is found and materials ordered.
I hope this information is useful and I can confirm that in accordance with your request I have commenced the process. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards