Decision details

Purpose of report: The proposed policy will help immediately in terms of assessing suitable sites for new VAS signs to be used.

Members are asked to: Agreed a policy framework for the introduction of VAS, procedures for monitoring of their performance, and a mechanism for deciding what to do if they become ineffective.

RESOLVED:     That the Executive Member notes the content of the report and approves the following:

a.      That Local Transport Plan (LTP) funding will only be used where the 85%ile speed equals or exceeds the signed limit by 10%+2mph (i.e. 35mph in a 30mph limit, and 46mph in a 40mph limit). This would be consistent with the speed enforcement thresholds employed by the police.

Reason: To ensure a consistent approach and targeted use of LTP resources.

b.      Where the LTP funding criteria is not met, a Ward Committee or Parish Council may still wish to fund the installation of a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS). In this situation, a threshold of 85%ile speeds being 10% above the speed limit should be adopted (i.e.33mph in a 30mph limit and 44mph in a 40mph limit).

Reason: To make sure VAS are used in appropriate areas.

c.      That monitoring of traffic speeds at VAS sites is carried out at approximately 3 months after implementation to gauge initial performance, and then again at around 3 years (or earlier if considered appropriate), along with a review of accident records, to assess the long term effectiveness of the sign. 

Reason: To ensure appropriate data is available to enable an informed decision to be made about whether a VAS should be retained (and replaced when required), or redeployed somewhere else.

d.      That the outcomes of this monitoring process and officer recommendations be reported to the Executive Member in respect of LTP funded VAS, and Ward Members in respect of Ward Committee funded VAS, for decisions to be made on the retention or possible re-deployment of the VAS.

Reason: To ensure that matters relating to VAS deployment are considered by the appropriate body.

e.      That the need for a VAS on New Lane, Huntington be assessed quickly together with the effectiveness of the current sign which is located in Mill Hill.

Reason: To follow up a Ward Councillors concerns.

f.        That a trial of the new software, which will record vehicle speeds detected by a VAS, be implemented as soon as the facility becomes available.

Reason: To provide additional data to enable an informed decision to be made about whether a VAS should be retained (and replaced when required), or redeployed somewhere else.