Stuart Maxwell (City Transport Manager) was
welcomed to the meeting to provide a highways update.
In reference to actions from the previous
meeting, the following points were noted:
- The viability of further parking
restrictions at Haddenham Road was being investigated, it being
noted that some restrictions and ‘keep clears’ were
already in place.
- The installation of pencil bollards
would be considered at further locations around schools in the
ward, as these were now preferred to the previous child-shaped
bollards.
- The issues concerning the speeding
on the dualled sections of Narborough Road had been referred to the
Police to enforce.
In terms of further updates, the following
points were noted:
- The Road Safety Partnership cameras
at Evesham Road had recently been replaced and updated with digital
technology, which also monitored ‘speed on green’ as
well as the offence of crossing on red.
The data on offences was being gathered. It was reported that proposals for safety cameras
and mobile cameras could be registered for evaluation or
enforcement at: www.speedorsafety.com
- Forthcoming roadworks were
announced, with a programme of surface dressing treatments and
patching works at various locations in the Ward.
- Bus lanes were being updated with
improved lining and signing.
- ‘Low Bridge’ signs were
proposed for the approaches to the railway bridge.
- The design and style of speed humps
and speed cushions were debated and explained. It was noted that motorists often ignored speed
cushions as they could avoid the restriction by steering between
them, maintaining a high speed.
Problems at Cort crescent were raised and it was recognised that
many near-miss incidents had occurred but were not reported, as no
collision or injury had resulted. The
introduction of 20mph zones to control speeds around schools and
parks were noted as measures that could be considered in future
programmes. The possibility of
triggering the need for such measures through petitioning the
Council was also noted.
- Responses to the consultation on
proposals in the Draft Local Plan were encouraged.
In response to questions and comments, the
following points were noted:
- Recent works on Narborough Road had
resulted in road markings being removed but not replaced, with the
left-turn arrow to Meredith Road across the bus lane being provided
as an example.
- Recent resurfacing works had caused
problems to residents. It was
considered that the works had been carried out at an inappropriate
period when the weather was unusually hot. This excessive heat had led to the tar and
chippings being spread into homes. The
complaint was noted.
The Chair referred
to the need to carefully plan the programme and commented on the
poor standard of work of some contractors. The need to properly resurface Dumbleton Avenue
was raised in addition as a particular concern.
- An opposing and contrary view was
raised concerning the height and width of speed humps or cushions
used to calm traffic. It was suggested by some residents that
considerate drivers did reduce their speed for the lower and
narrower measures and that increases in height or severity would
lead to damaged vehicles. It was also
stated that the need for emergency services vehicles, particularly
ambulances, to be able to travel at consistent speeds without the
obstruction of higher or wider speed bumps was also raised and
accepted.
- A problem of the poor surfacing of
the cycle and bus lane at Narborough Road adjacent to the KFC was
reported and noted.