Issue - meetings

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, which advised that a petition had been received by electronic delivery requesting alteration of the speed limit on a section of Runcorn Road, Moore from 40 mph to 30 mph.

            It was noted that this section of Runcorn Road was:

·         relatively flat and had open fields to the southern side;

·         the northern side comprised low-density housing, set well back;

·         pedestrian movements across the carriageway were minimal;

·         the road was generally in good repair, well lit and subject to an environmental 7.5 tonne weight restriction;

·         there was low-level of on street parking within the 40mph zone, especially at the eastern end. However no evidence or complaints of vehicles mounting the kerb and obstructing the footway;

·         a Cheshire Road Safety Group, Cheshire Police and external consultants undertook a speed limit review in Halton in 2009. No changes were recommended for Runcorn Road;

·         since 2009, automatic traffic counters had been installed on two occasions. Average speeds had reduced in this time which was probably due to the increase in traffic using the route; and

·         there had been one recorded injury collision within the relevant section of road since 2009.

            At the request of the Council, Cheshire Police had undertaken a site assessment and provided an opinion that, whilst they understood the desire of residents for a lower speed limit, they were concerned that the removal of the change in speed limit would not reflect the character of the road. It was the opinion of the Constabulary that the 40mph section felt open in nature and as such, 40mph was an appropriate speed limit.

            Therefore based on the advice from Cheshire Police, traffic specialists and the Council’s road safety engineer, it was felt that retaining the existing 40mph speed limit was appropriate for this section of road. 

            On behalf of the petitioner, Councillor Dyer addressed the Board in support of the petition and read a statement and questions which the petitioner had previously prepared. Councillor Dyer fully supported the request to lower the speed limit and outlined to the Board his reasons for this.

            On behalf of the Council, Ian Saxby responded to the questions submitted and it was agreed that Tim Gibbs would contact Cheshire Constabulary regarding speed enforcement at Runcorn Road

            RESOLVED: That

1.    following careful consideration and site inspection, Officers advise that the posted speed limit should remain at 40mph for the reasons set out in the report; and

2.    a request be made to Cheshire Police to consider this location for regular speed enforcement activity.