44.1 The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.
DECISIONS
44.2 The Lead Member RESOLVED to recommend that the Council approve an amended motion as set out below:
(1) The County Council is committed to working with all stakeholders to tackle road safety and recognises the work already carried out by the East Sussex Road Safety Programme which resulted in a reduction in speeding reoffences, crashes and casualties;
(2) That this Council recognises the range of road safety improvements that are introduced each year, which can include 20mph schemes, traffic calming and pedestrian crossings, and endorses the current multi-faceted approach as set out in the report;
(3) The County Council endorses the simple process that is in place for residents to request road safety measures, including 20mph schemes; and
(4) The County Council recognises that the review of the East Sussex County Council Local Transport Plan will commence from Spring 2022 and requests that Road Safety interventions are part of that review.
Reasons
44.3 Following the positive outcomes from the evidence based East Sussex Road Safety programme, which included a reduction in speeding reoffences, positive attitudinal and behavioural changes of young drivers and a reduction in crashes and casualties, a further comprehensive programme is currently being developed.
44.4 In terms of casualty reduction, the current approach adopted by the Road Safety Team in identifying sites or routes that display a disproportionate number of crashes has been shown to produce the best results. Roads surrounding schools and playgrounds that demonstrate a history of personal injury crashes will continue to be identified for appropriate action, which may include 20mph zones/speed limits or other interventions.
44.5 Each year the County Council develops and implements numerous local transport improvements funded through the capital programme, which can include 20mph schemes, traffic calming and pedestrian crossings. There is a simple process which residents can use to request improvements which are then assessed against clear prioritisation criteria.
44.6 The review of ESCC Local Transport Plan from 2022, will include the development of an approach to potentially deliver schemes which re-allocate road space (including School Streets).