The Director of Technical Services reported concerning objections received to proposals recommended as part of the Speed Limit Review study for various locations across the Borough:- 

Following new guidance for the setting of local speed limits published by the Department for Transport, local authorities were required to undertake a review of speed limits on all A and B classified roads and implement any necessary changes by 2011.  The Speed Limit Review Panel had assessed the suitability of existing speed limits and considered a number of different factors including road safety analysis, cost and safety benefits, enforcement, and maintenance of proposed schemes, changes in driver behaviour and the consistency of speed limits. Discussions had also been held with neighbouring local authorities over cross boundary routes to ensure a consistent approach was maintained.

The Speed Limit Review Panel proposed a number of speed limit recommendations, which were based on robust evidence and follow the guiding principles published within Department for Transport guidance.

The Panel considered the following objections received from the Cyclists’ Touring Club and Merseyside Cycling Campaign (Wirral Group) in response to the statutory advertisement of its proposals. Representative of these organisations attended the meeting and outlined their objections.

The Panel agreed to vote on each proposal separately.

B5137 Brimstage Road, Bebington

Proposal – Relocation of existing 30mph / National Speed Limit gateway

Objection – That the 30mph limit / gateway is not being altered to finish/start at the Clatterbridge roundabout.

Response – The principle behind increasing the speed limit along this short link was supported by evidence that drivers coming from a largely rural road network or motorway had not sufficiently reacted to the existing 30mph speed limit signs (possibly due to their proximity to the complex signalised motorway junction). The section of road concerned did not have any frontage or the usual attributes drivers associate with a 30mph speed limit, although street lighting was present on one side of the road.

The proposed amendment provided an opportunity to create a highly visible gateway approaching a built-up area. The Panel considered that such a gateway, in advance of the Toucan crossing, closer to the built up area was likely to achieve greater respect by drivers thus reducing vehicle speeds and improving road safety on the approach to its junction with Beechway and the residential area.   

Recommendation (2:1) – That this proposal be implemented as advertised.

A5137 Brimstage Road / Whitehouse Lane, Brimstage

Proposal – Reduce from National Speed Limit to 50mph

Objection – That the limit is not being reduced from national speed limit to 40mph.  The road is narrow and it is particularly hazardous when motorists are passing other vulnerable road users including horse-riders, cyclists and pedestrians of which there are high numbers given the rural area.  It has a number of bends, junctions and accesses.  It is unlit apart from the area of the defined village community. 

The current 30mph limit in the village area is not being extended to west of Talbot Avenue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18