FEASIBILITY STUDY ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING ROAD SAFETY ...

HUNDRED ACRE WAY

RED LODGE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING ROAD

SAFETY CONDITIONS & PROPOSED

IMPROVEMENTS

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Document Control

Issue Date Change Summary Author Checker Approver

01 13/10/2020 First issue

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Contents

Document Control .............................................................................................................................. 1

Contents ............................................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Indicators of Existing Road Safety Conditions .......................................................................... 4

Collision Data .................................................................................................................................... 4

Speed Survey ................................................................................................................................... 5

Classified Traffic Count ................................................................................................................... 5

Site Observations ............................................................................................................................. 6

Assessment of Existing Road Safety Conditions ................................................................... 10

Perceived problems ....................................................................................................................... 10

Traffic speeds ................................................................................................................................. 10

On-road parking .............................................................................................................................. 11

St Christopher’s CEVC Primary School ...................................................................................... 13

Design Considerations ................................................................................................................... 14

The Local Area ............................................................................................................................... 14

Bus Routes ...................................................................................................................................... 14

Emergency Vehicles ...................................................................................................................... 14

Vulnerable Road Users ................................................................................................................. 14

Street Lighting ................................................................................................................................. 14

Recommendations ........................................................................................................................... 15

Scheme Proposals ........................................................................................................................... 16

Option A – Introduce parking restrictions ................................................................................... 16

Option B – Provide improved signing & road markings ............................................................ 17

Option C – Undertake localised highway improvement work .................................................. 18

Option D – Install area wide speed reducing measures ........................................................... 19

Appendix A – Location Plan – Collisions .................................................................................. 20

Appendix B – Location Plan - Speed & Traffic Data Survey Sites ...................................... 21

Appendix C – Option A Preliminary Design .............................................................................. 22

Appendix D – Option B Preliminary Design .............................................................................. 23

Appendix E – Option C Preliminary Design .............................................................................. 24

3

Introduction

Suffolk Highways has produced this report at the request of Robin Millar, who was the

County Councillor for Newmarket and Red Lodge division up until January 2020. It

followed concerns raised by some residents of Hundred Acre Way relating to road

safety and in particular, crossing facilities for pedestrians travelling to and from St

Christopher’s CEVC Primary School. Concerns have also been expressed regarding

traffic speeds along Hundred Acre Way and on-street parking, which can reduce

visibility and create difficulties for vehicles negotiating the bends along this route.

The aim of this study is to assess existing road safety conditions and to identify

potential improvement measures. This study will provide the current County Councillor

and Red Lodge Parish Council with an overview of the safety issues affecting Hundred

Acre Way and possible options to help improve existing road safety conditions.

The entire length of Hundred Acre Way is to be investigated, with a particular focus on

the area of St Christopher’s CEVC Primary School.

Hundred Acre Way is an unclassified main distributor road through a series of new

housing developments with a width of 6m on its straight sections. The carriageway

follows a series of sweeping curves between its two roundabout junctions with the

C611 Warren Road. The length of carriageway also forms part of a bus route, with

four sets of bus stops located along the road. Bus stop clearway laybys are present to

enable buses to safely and easily access these stops. The carriageway has been

widened out through the bends and at its purpose-built bus laybys. The speed limit

along this section of road is 30mph by virtue of street lighting.

The area consists mainly of residential properties on both sides of the carriageway,

with many properties being set back from the road, creating a visual appearance of

open space. Hundred Acre Way was constructed as part of a modern housing

development and has an ‘avenue’ style appearance in places, consisting of well-

equipped footway/cycleway facilities and verge areas lined with trees.

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Indicators of Existing Road Safety Conditions

Collision Data

Data available for the most recent 5-year period (01/09/14 to 01/09/19), shows a total

of 7 collisions were reported to have occurred along Hundred Acre Way. Of these, one

collision was serious, and the others were considered to be of slight severity.

Four collisions, all of slight severity, occurred on the roundabouts situated at each end

of Hundred Acre Way, where it forms its junctions with Warren Road. Careless or

reckless driving was cited as a probable factor in many of these incidents.

Two further collisions (each between two cars), one at the junction with Russet Drive

and another near the junction with Juniper Road state that the poor judgment and

failure of the driver to look properly were likely factors contributing to these minor

collisions.

The circumstances of the serious collision outside No. 88 Hundred Acre Way involved

a northbound car overtaking parked vehicles on a left-hand bend and colliding with a

car travelling in the opposite direction on a right-hand bend. Factors potentially

contributing to this collision were reported to be:

• driving too fast for conditions

• careless driving

• impaired by drugs (illicit or medicinal)

• stationary or parked vehicles

• road layout (e.g. bend, hill crest).

It is apparent that in many of these cases, the cause of collision can be attributed to

poor driver behaviour or poor judgement. However, the data demonstrates that road

layout and on-street parking may also be contributing factors. These physical factors

are ones which the Local Highway Authority has some jurisdiction to manage, for

instance, provision of parking restrictions may be appropriate to protect visibility at

junctions or bends.

Please refer to Collision Data map in Appendix A.

5

Speed Survey

New data was collected to capture traffic speeds at five locations along Hundred Acre

Way, including:

• Site 1 - West of the junction with Bergamot Close

• Site 2 - South of the junction with Juniper Road (outside No. 42 Juniper Road)

• Site 3 - South of the rear entrance to the school (opposite Nos. 7 to 12 Peppermint

Walk)

• Site 4 - South of the junction with Ash Court (outside No. 95 Hundred Acre Way)

• Site 5 - North of the junction with Aspen Way (outside No. 104 Hundred Acre

Way)

Please refer to Speed & Traffic Data Survey map in Appendix B.

Of the five sites surveyed, the highest traffic speeds were recorded at Site 1 on the

straight section of road approaching the northern roundabout junction with Warren

Road. During a two-week period, average mean traffic speeds of 27-28 mph were

observed in both directions, with 85th percentile speeds being 32-33 mph.

The average traffic speeds recorded at the four remaining locations (Sites 2-5) were

considerably lower, with the mean traffic speed varying from 20-23 mph and an 85th

percentile speed ranging from 24-28 mph over the course of a two-week period.

Classified Traffic Count

New classified traffic count data was requested at each of the five locations listed

above. Please also refer to Speed & Traffic Data Survey map in Appendix B.

The data demonstrates that over a 7-day average, approximately 73% to 91% of

vehicles travelling along Hundred Acre Way were passenger cars. This was followed

by small 2-axle vans and pick-up trucks, which represented between 7% and 23% of

the traffic.

At Site 3, in the area of the school, the following traffic volumes were recorded over a

period of two weeks (5-day average, i.e. Mon-Fri):

Southbound

Between 08:00 and 09:00, an average of 39-43 vehicles


Northbound



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Site Observations

Site Visit 1 – Weekday afternoon

A site visit was undertaken on Wed 15 January 2020 (during the school term) to assess

the site and to observe traffic movements in Hundred Acre Way. For the duration of

the visit, conditions were generally dry with an occasional rain shower.

• It was noted that footways were generally of a good width and standard, with

exceptional provision for off-road cycling.

• Purpose-built bus stop laybys are situated at various points along Hundred Acre

Way, with each being marked as a clearway, to give the effect of ‘no stopping’.

• Locations of vehicles parked on the carriageway of Hundred Acre Way were

recorded between 13:15 and 14:05, to gauge levels of ‘general’ on-road parking.

This identified eight distinct areas where on-road parking may be an issue:

� Outside Nos. 2 and 3 Peppermint Walk (east side of Hundred Acre Way)

� Outside Nos. 43 to 51a Hundred Acre Way (east side)

� Outside Nos. 14 to 22 Hundred Acre Way (west side)


� Outside Nos. 83 to 91 Hundred Acre Way (east side, within bus layby)



� Outside Nos. 16 to 20 Yarrow Walk, between the junctions of Tulip Way and

Larch Way (south side of Hundred Acre Way)

• One vehicle was observed parked across a dropped pedestrian crossing point,

near No. 16 Yarrow Walk (south side of Hundred Acre Way).

• Between 13:15 and 14:05, no problematic on-road parking was observed that might

impact on access or visibility in/out of the side road junctions.

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• Near the rear entrance to St Christopher’s CEVC Primary School, there are two

existing dropped pedestrian crossing points – one 1.6m wide outside No. 6

Peppermint Walk, protected by the school entrance keep clear markings (below

left) and another 3.2m wide, protected by ‘H’ markings outside No. 6 Peppermint

Walk (below right).

• Motorists were observed stopping on a couple of occasions to give way to

pedestrians, including children, waiting to cross at the wider crossing point.

• Existing highway features that warn

motorists of the school include

warning signs on each approach

and keep clear makings in the area

of the school’s rear entrance. The

existing entrance keep clear

markings measure approximately

36m in length.

• During school collection time (the school

day ends at 15:15), at any one time, a

maximum of 11 vehicles were observed

parking on Hundred Acre Way in the

vicinity of the school’s rear entrance.

This included three vehicles parked

outside Nos. 1 to 3 Peppermint Walk (east

side) and eight vehicles parked south of

the school entrance keep clear markings

on the west side of the road (four of which

were parked within the bus stop layby).

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• Many parents/carers parked their vehicles in either Sorrel Court or Pippin Court.

• The majority of parents/carers leaving the school’s rear entrance, then crossed

Hundred Acre Way at the narrower dropped crossing point, before continuing in a

southerly direction.

• Traffic flows along Hundred Acre Way were considered to be relatively low, with

ample opportunity for pedestrians to cross the road, even during school collection

time.

• It was considered that a minority of motorists were not driving considerately through

the area of the school, given the level of pedestrian activity at that time.

• Some motorist aggression was

witnessed as one motorist refused to

wait to allow another to pass parked

vehicles, forcing the overtaking car (in

blue – see photograph right) to back up.

• A brief check was undertaken at the front

of the school at approximately 15:20. It

was noted that almost the entire length of

Bellflower Crescent was occupied by parked or waiting vehicles, including the area

outside the Nisa store. The school car park also appeared to be almost full at this

time.

Site Visit 2 – Weekday morning

A second site visit was undertaken on Tues 28 January 2020 to assess vehicle and

pedestrian movements during school drop off time.

• The gates at the rear entrance to St Christopher’s CEVC Primary School open at

08:30. At any one time, a maximum of 9 vehicles were observed parking on

Hundred Acre Way in the vicinity of the school’s rear entrance. This included one

vehicle parked outside No. 2 Peppermint Walk (east side) and eight vehicles

parked south of the school entrance keep clear markings on the west side of the

road (up to five were parked within the bus stop layby).

• The behaviour of parents/carers remained unchanged to those patterns observed

during the first site visit, with many parking in Sorrel Court and walking along the

eastern footway of Hundred Acre Way and crossing at the first (narrower) dropped

crossing point.

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• No incidents were witnessed between motorists, nor were any notable safety

concerns identified during the school drop off period (08:15-08:45).

• Traffic volumes on Hundred Acre Way were considered to be relatively low,

providing pedestrians with plenty of opportunity to cross the road.

• A brief check was undertaken at the front of the school at approximately 08:45. It

was noted that the traffic situation was more or less the same as had been

observed during the previous afternoon site visit, with almost the entire length of

Bellflower Crescent occupied by parked or waiting vehicles.

• Between 08:55 and 09:15 an assessment was undertaken to record levels of

‘general’ on-road parking. This identified on-road parking on the following sections

of carriageway:

� Outside No. 1 Harebell Road (west side, half on verge)

� Outside Nos. 43 to 49 Hundred Acre Way (east side)

� Outside No. 20 Hundred Acre Way (west side)


� Outside Nos. 81 and 89 Hundred Acre Way (east side, within bus layby)

� Outside No. 58 Hundred Acre Way (west side, within bus layby)


� Outside No. 76 Hundred Acre Way to No. 2 Bramble Walk (west side)

� Outside No. 108 Hundred Acre Way (west side)

� Outside No. 11 and Nos.15-19 Yarrow Walk, between the junctions of

Hornbeam Avenue and Larch Way (south side of Hundred Acre Way)

• Between 08:55 and 09:15, a single car

was seen parked partially on the verge

and partially on the carriageway, close

to the junction with Harebell Road.

• It was noted that the grass verges along

Hundred Acre Way appeared to be in

generally good condition for the time of

year.

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Assessment of Existing Road Safety Conditions

Perceived problems

Prior to undertaking this study of Hundred Acre Way, the following issues/concerns

were highlighted to Suffolk Highways:

• Traffic speeding on the straights of the road

• Parking on bends and kerbs (restricting visibility)

• Parking on footway/cycle paths at school drop off/collection time

• Parking on school entrance keep clear markings

• Limited pedestrian crossing facilities between Sorrel Court and the rear entrance

to St Christopher’s CEVC Primary School

Traffic speeds

The traffic speed data demonstrates that there is generally good compliance with the

permanent 30mph speed limit along Hundred Acre Way. Though the route

predominantly consists of sweeping bends, there are potential opportunities for

vehicles to accelerate along some straight sections of the road. The speed data

locations were determined to record such instances, and in particular:

Site 1 - West of the junction with Bergamot Close, to identify the speed of eastbound

and westbound traffic, along the straight section of road.

During a two-week period, average mean traffic speeds of 27-28 mph were observed

in both directions, with 85th percentile speeds being 32-33 mph. In terms of excessive

traffic speeds, 3% of eastbound traffic and 5% of westbound traffic was recorded to be

travelling at a speed of 35mph or more (based on a 7-day average).

There is usually no on-road parking along this section of Hundred Acre Way.

Site 2 - South of the junction with Juniper Road, to identify the speed of southbound

traffic, near the end of the straight section.

During a two-week period, an average mean traffic speed of 23mph was observed

southbound, with an average 85th percentile speed of 27mph. Only 1-2% of vehicles

were recorded travelling southbound at a speed of 30mph or more (based on a 7-day

average).

Again, there is usually no on-road parking along this section of road. However, at the

survey location, motorists approach a school warning sign and a bend in the road,

which may account for the lower traffic speeds.

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Site 4 - South of the junction with Ash Court, to identify the speed of northbound traffic,

near the end of the straight section.


northbound, with an average 85th percentile speed of 24mph. Less than 1% of vehicles

were recorded travelling northbound at a speed of 30mph or more (based on a 7-day

average).

On-road parking typically occurs on the west side of the road at this location. It is likely

that this factor is contributing to lower traffic speeds, as motorists are made to slow

down when approaching and overtaking stationary vehicles.

Site 5 - North of the junction with Aspen Way, to identify the speed of southbound

traffic, near the end of the straight section.


southbound, with an average 85th percentile speed of 28mph. Only 3-4% of vehicles

were recorded travelling southbound at a speed of 30mph or more (based on a 7-day

average).

On-road parking typically occurs on the west side of the road at this location, meaning

that it does not create a direct obstruction to southbound traffic. However, the

approaching bend necessitates more cautious behaviour from motorists and serves to

maintain reasonable traffic speeds southbound.

The data demonstrates that speeding is not a significant issue and there is good

compliance with the 30mph speed limit. The traffic speeds along Hundred Acre Way

are generally well managed, likely due to the self-enforcing nature of the road, through

its geometry and on-road parking provision.

However, concern may be warranted for vehicles travelling within the speed limit, but

at inappropriate speed given the potential hazards ahead. For instance, when passing

stationary vehicles on or near bends and where forward visibility may be restricted.

This is not a speeding problem, but an issue of poor driver behaviour and judgement

of the hazards ahead. This issue can be improved by making physical changes on site

that either influence driver behaviour, or reduce the hazard, thus taking the onus off

the motorist. Such recommendations are included in the following sections relating to

on-road parking and St Christopher’s CEVC Primary School.

On-road parking

Hundred Acre Way is the main distributor road through a number of recent housing

developments. The prevalence of on-road parking indicates that existing off-road

parking facilities are either not adequate or not convenient for residents and their

visitors. This was particularly evident when visiting site, outside Nos. 81 and 89

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Hundred Acre Way (east side), where stationary vehicles were observed parked in the

bus lay-by.

The introduction of Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) on 6th April 2020 means that

motorists parked illegally are now more likely to be penalised for their actions, as the

local authority exercises the enforcement responsibility which previously belonged to

the police. The sight of vehicles parked in bus stop clearways, as observed during

January 2020 is now expected to be less common with the introduction of CPE, which

brings greater opportunity to regulate parking.

No major problems were identified with vehicles parked partially on the road and over

the verges or footways. The verges generally appeared to be in good condition, even

during the winter, when site visits were undertaken. However, an instance of a parked

vehicle entirely obstructing a pedestrian dropped crossing point was observed. Such

inconsiderate parking may force vulnerable pedestrians to cross Hundred Acre Way in

more hazardous locations and therefore this issue should be addressed.

The level of on-road parking observed in Hundred Acre Way during daytime hours

demonstrates that there is a clear demand for some on-road parking provision.

Although an evening or night-time assessment has not been undertaken, it would be

reasonable to assume that levels of on-road parking increase considerably.

Reduced visibility at bends and on the approaches to bends, caused by some on-road

parking, creates the potential for conflict between opposing traffic flows. Thus, posing

a moderate threat to road safety if motorists do not approach these situations in a safe

and cautious manner.

It would, however, be unrealistic to remove all opportunity for on-road parking. Also, to

a certain extent, some on-road parking can be useful - “There will be situations where

it is desirable to reduce forward visibility to control traffic speed” (Manual for Streets,

2007). It is considered that the road geometry and its on-road parking provision

currently play important roles in limiting traffic speeds along Hundred Acre Way.

In contrast, some motorists familiar with the usual patterns of on-road parking may

develop an overconfidence or blasé attitude, thus becoming less likely to drive at

appropriate speeds for the forward visibility available. However, the data implies that

generally, motorists do drive appropriately for the road conditions and instances of

collision are low.

It is recommended that the following measures are considered to manage on-road

parking in Hundred Acre Way:

• Continue to monitor levels of on-road parking.

• Introduce access protection markings or ‘H’ markings to prevent parking at

pedestrian crossing points.

• If necessary, introduce waiting restrictions to regulate on-road parking and to

prevent vehicles parking in positions that may be prejudicial to road safety, for

example, on a bend or the approach to a bend.

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St Christopher’s CEVC Primary School

In the area of the school’s rear entrance, there is only minimal change in the

surroundings to alert or remind motorists that they are passing a school. School

warning signs and entrance keep clear markings are the only visual clues present.

There is no significant change in the ‘feel’ of the road.

Despite traffic volumes being relatively low, motorised traffic still dominates in this area

and although motorists should be aware of the school, some may feel that there is no

need to slow down due to the absence of any physical obstacles.

The existing pedestrian facilities in Hundred Acre Way are of a good standard and

provision for off-road cycling is exceptional. The two existing uncontrolled crossing

points provide adequate crossing facilities in the vicinity of the school’s rear entrance.

A new dropped crossing point has recently been provided close to the Sorrel Court

junction, providing further opportunity for pedestrians to cross Hundred Acre Way. It

should be noted that the tactile paving arrangement is not strictly correct on the eastern

side. Similarly, on the western side, it would be good practice to ensure pedestrians

are crossing onto a shared-use facility rather than the cycle side of a segregated

facility. Therefore, remedial works should be considered to rectify these matters.

Due to the low traffic volumes in Hundred Acre Way, it is considered that the existing

uncontrolled crossing facilities provide adequate crossing opportunity for pedestrians.

Less than considerate driver behaviour was observed on the odd occasion within the

area of the school’s rear entrance. However, generally, satisfactory road safety

conditions were observed (for instance, low traffic volumes, good pedestrian/cycle

facilities, adequate visibility).

During the site assessment undertaken in January 2020, no vehicles were observed

parking on the ‘school keep clear entrance’ markings. However, this problem had

previously been brought to the attention of Suffolk Highways. It was noted that at the

time of the site assessment, there was no signing in place to support the road

markings. The appropriate signing is required to ensure that the keep clear markings

can be enforced. It is quite probable that the appropriate signing may have since been

installed as part of the CPE work. This matter should be reviewed, and the appropriate

signing installed as necessary.

It is recommended that the following measures are considered to highlight the

presence of the school and encourage appropriate driver behaviour in this area:

• Provide improved signing to increase motorists’ awareness of the school and

associated hazards.

• Provide physical measures within the carriageway to reduce the dominance of

motorised traffic and to further reduce traffic speeds.

• If physical traffic calming measures are considered necessary, it may be

appropriate to implement a 20mph speed limit zone.

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Design Considerations

The Local Area

St Christopher’s CEVC Primary School and the Red Lodge Sports Pavilion are both

important local destinations situated adjacent to Hundred Acre Way. Emphasis should

be placed on improving the safety of pedestrian and cycle routes to these destinations.

The area is mainly residential and therefore demand for on-road vehicle parking along

Hundred Acre Way is to be expected. However, this should be managed to ensure that

road safety conditions are not compromised.

Bus Routes

Bus routes are an important part of any integrated transport system and the existing

bus facilities in Hundred Acre Way are of a high standard. The impact of proposed

safety measures must be carefully considered to avoid, or minimise, any negative

effect on existing bus services for passengers or providers.

Emergency Vehicles

The introduction of some safety measures may affect the overall services that all

emergency service provide. For example, proposals to install traffic calming features

may lead to increased patient discomfort in ambulances, or delayed response times

for all emergency services.

Vulnerable Road Users

Government bodies encourage Highway Authorities to improve the environment for

pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, Christopher’s CEVC Primary School will attract

children and their parents from all over the neighbourhood, therefore the school forms

an integral part of this study.

Street Lighting

Street lighting can reduce the incidence of collisions during the hours of darkness.

Therefore, street lighting engineers will be consulted to ensure that current lighting

levels meet the necessary standards.

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Recommendations

To conclude this study of the existing road safety conditions along Hundred Acre

Way, it is recommended that the following options are considered to further improve

road safety:

• Continue to monitor levels of on-road parking

Closely monitor the on-road parking situation. If the situation worsens or

becomes more hazardous, consideration should be given to implementing

parking restrictions.

• Apply access protection markings

Apply access protection markings or ‘H’ markings to prevent obstruction of

pedestrian crossing points by parked vehicles.

• Install ‘School Keep Clear Entrance’ signing

Install appropriate signing (if not already present) to ensure that existing

‘School Keep Clear Entrance’ markings are enforceable.

• Introduce parking restrictions (Option A)

No Waiting at Any Time (double yellow lines) could be introduced to regulate

on-road parking and to prevent vehicles parking in positions that may be

prejudicial to road safety, for example, on a bend or the approach to a bend.

• Provide improved signing & road markings (Option B)

Enhance the existing school warning signs and apply ‘SLOW’ road markings

to raise the awareness of the school and its associated hazards.

• Undertake localised highway improvement work (Option C)

Raise carriageway levels in the area of the uncontrolled pedestrian crossing

points at the rear of the school. The creation of ramps on the approach to a

newly raised section of carriageway will increase the presence of these

crossing points, help to reduce the dominance of motorised traffic and further

reduce traffic speeds.

• Install area wide speed reducing measures (Option D)

Provide speed cushions, or other traffic calming measures, along the whole

length of Hundred Acre Way at spacings of no more than 50 metres and sign

the entire area as a 20mph zone. This will improve road safety over the whole

area by generally slowing speeds rather than at specific locations.

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Scheme Proposals

Please note that all scheme proposals detailed below and shown in the preliminary

designs are subject to independent safety audit.

Option A – Introduce parking restrictions

Parking restrictions can be introduced to regulate on-road parking.

This option proposes ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) to prohibit parking

in positions that may be prejudicial to road safety, for example, on a bend or the

approach to a bend. Parking restrictions may only be required on that section of

Hundred Acre Way south of St Christopher’s CEVC Primary School, where those

issues of on-road parking and road geometry create the greatest hazard.

A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is a legal document required to support the road

markings on the ground and ensures that they are enforceable. It is advised that

residents are consulted regarding the introduction of parking restrictions.

Advantages and disadvantages of this option:

Advantages

1) Controls where vehicles can and cannot park

2) Minimal maintenance

3) Low construction cost

Disadvantages

1) The TRO process may be expensive and time consuming

2) Residents may not welcome new parking restrictions

3) Parked vehicles may be displaced to other areas, merely shifting the problem

The above list is not a comprehensive list, but an overview of the main points.

An indicative cost of the implementation of the above scheme is provided below. This

is a broad estimate and is for guidance only. A scheme estimate will be prepared if this

option is progressed. An outline design for this scheme can be found in Appendix C.

Option A Estimated

Design Cost

Estimated

Works Cost

Safety

Audit

‘No Waiting at Any Time’

(double yellow lines) £5,000.00 £1,000.00 £1,500.00

Total £5,000.00 £1,000.00 £1,500.00 £7,500.00

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Option B – Provide improved signing & road markings

The existing school warning signs can be replaced with enhanced signing that is more

conspicuous, therefore raising the awareness of the school’s presence and its

associated hazards.

This option proposes to replace the existing triangular warning signs and ‘School’ sub-

plates on each approach to the rear entrance of St Christopher’s CEVC Primary

School. The new signing would consist of the same warning triangle and sub-plate but

manufactured on a yellow backing board.

New ‘SLOW’ road markings can be applied to the carriageway to reinforce the

message communicated by the warning signs.


Advantages

1) Provides enhanced signing/warning of the school

2) Minimal maintenance

3) Low design & construction costs

Disadvantages

1) Minimal impact on driver behaviour




option is progressed. An outline design for this scheme can be found in Appendix D.

Option B Estimated

Design Cost

Estimated

Works Cost

Safety

Audit

Enhanced school

warning signs £1,000.00 £500.00 N/A

Total £1,000.00 £500.00 N/A £1,500.00

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Option C – Undertake localised highway improvement work

The carriageway can be raised near the rear access of St Christopher’s CEVC

Primary School to highlight the presence of the existing pedestrian crossing points,

help to reduce the dominance of motorised traffic and further reduce traffic speeds.

This option proposes to raise the carriageway levels across the wider uncontrolled

crossing point by creating ramps on the approach to a newly raised section of

carriageway or ‘raised table’ on which the crossing point will be located. The width of

the raised table will need to be 6 metres (minimum) due to its position on a bus route.


Advantages

1) Reduces all vehicle speeds at a specific location

2) Reduces dominance of motorised traffic

3) Minimal disruption to large emergency vehicles

4) Significant impact on driver behaviour

Disadvantages

1) Visually intrusive due to the extent of signing and road marking required

2) Only lowers vehicle speeds at a specific location

3) Potential to confuse pedestrians (regarding who has the right of way)

4) May create discomfort for passengers of emergency vehicles and buses

5) Disruption to road network, due to the requirement for road closures for safe

working when constructing the features

6) High design & construction costs




option is progressed. An outline design for this scheme can be found in Appendix E.

Option C Estimated

Design Cost

Estimated

Works Cost

Legal Cost Safety

Audit

Undertake highway

improvement work

£5,000.00 £15,000.00 £1,000.00 £1,500.00

Total £5,000.00 £15,000.00 £1,000.00 £1,500.00 £22,500.00

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Option D – Install area wide speed reducing measures

Provide speed cushions, or a combination of different traffic calming features, along

the entire length of Hundred Acre Way at spacings of no more than 50 metres and

sign the whole area as a 20mph zone. This will improve road safety over the whole

area by generally slowing speeds rather than at specific locations.


Advantages

1) Reduces all vehicle speeds in the whole area

2) Reduces dominance of motorised traffic

3) Significant impact on driver behaviour

Disadvantages

1) Visually intrusive due to the extent of signing and road marking required

2) May be difficult to site traffic calming features due to the geometry of the road

and locations of on-road parking

3) May create slight discomfort for passengers of emergency vehicles and buses

4) Disruption to road network, due to the requirement for road closures for safe

working when constructing the features

5) High design & construction costs

6) High maintenance costs associated with potential repairs and the traffic

management required to facilitate maintenance operations




option is progressed.

At this stage an outline design is not provided, because further consideration and

consultation would be required (as part of the detailed design) to tailor a scheme to

this particular site.

Option D Estimated

Design Cost

Estimated

Works Cost

Legal Cost Safety

Audit

Install area wide speed

reducing measures

£10,000.00 £75,000.00 £1,000.00 £3,000.00

Total £10,000.00 £75,000.00 £1,000.00 £3,000.00 £90,000.00

20

Appendix A – Location Plan – Collisions

Location plan, N.T.S

7 recorded incidents during the period 01/09/2014 – 01/09/2019 (5-year period).

21

Appendix B – Location Plan

Speed & Traffic Data Survey Sites

22

Appendix C – Option A Preliminary Design

23

Appendix D – Option B Preliminary Design

24

Appendix E – Option C Preliminary Design

FEASIBILITY STUDY ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING ROAD SAFETY ...

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