Traffic management
Traffic Management schemes are introduced to solve an identified problem in one or more roads.
The need for a scheme can be identified in a variety of ways. It may , for example, be a bad accident record or the concerns of residents that prompts an investigation. Sometimes the Council adopts an "area wide" approach to traffic problems, for example, where there is a demand from several residential roads for "Speed Control Humps". To deal with this, priority is given to the worst problems first.
Potential schemes are assessed against the following policies:
- To achieve safe movement by reducing accident levels.
- To promote and accommodate the maintenance and improvement of public transport.
- To restrain traffic and safeguard the environment.
- To seek equitable levels of mobility and accessibility for all groups of people, particularly for those presently disadvantaged in mobility terms ie. people with disabilities, children, women, the old and the infirm.
- To reduce the impact of commuter parking.
- To improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and convenience.
- To promote cycling.
Consultation
The Council consults residents for their views before the introduction of any new traffic measures. In addition, many traffic measures require the publication of a formal Notice in the press. A three week period is allowed for objections to be received. Formal objections are considered, and schemes may need to be re-designed with further Notices being published, before a legally enforceable Traffic Order can be made and the scheme introduced. The Council, as Highway Authority, is responsible for introducing and maintaining the physical measures and for making any necessary Traffic Orders.
Components of Schemes
There is no single solution to problems associated with traffic management. A variety of measures are used sometimes in combination. Some of the components are detailed below together with reasons for their use as an option in a scheme:-
Page updated: 7 Apr 2008