tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73269095729653756642024-03-18T21:33:06.317-07:00Stoke Golding Streets 4 AllAlan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-47805072072844067552014-12-04T02:35:00.000-08:002014-12-04T02:35:04.655-08:00A great 12 months for 20mph limits nationally<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Its been a great year for 20 mph up and down the country. Lots of examples of towns starting to adopt 20 mph limits and great results from those who have already implemented them. Report after report from learned organisations has come out in favour of 20 mph limits. Here are the one I am aware of. Apologies if I have missed some. In many instances you can find more information on the 20s plenty website.<br /><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Brighton 20mph to be extended as figures show it's safer - Nov 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Fewer road collisions are happening in Brighton & Hove streets where 20mph limits have been introduced. Meanwhile the majority of residents consulted about extending the limits to new areas of the city supported the idea.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The council has monitored collisions and casualties from the Phase 1 area of 20mph limits, in central Brighton & Hove, introduced in April 2013. The figures are lower than the three-year average for the area. There was a 17 per cent drop in collisions. The average was 318 collisions a year, whereas under 20mph the figure went down to 264. The average number of casualties was 371 per year from 2010-2013. With the introduction of a 20mph speed limit it dropped to 327 – a reduction of 12 per cent. There was a 20 per cent reduction in serious casualties, down from an average of 53 to 43.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>Atherington village looks set to get 20mph limits - Nov 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Following a visit to the village of Atherington in September members of the North Devon Highways And Traffic Orders Committee at their meeing on Tuesday 18th of November approved the Safer Atherington Streets group application for a 20mph speed limit. This decision was reached on the basis of a lengthy and detailed application document, support form local groups, schools residents and firms and the fact finding visit, despite advice from Highways staff - they stuck with policy all along.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">The next step is for the decision to go before DCC Cabinet possibly in January 15 because there has to be an exception made. </span><span style="color: #222222;">Finance is a matter of concern but Atherington Parish Council has already obtained pledges of over £1,000 towards implementation costs and this was made clear to HATOC.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.saferatheringtonstreets.org.uk/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">www.saferatheringtonstreets.org.uk</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>Nottingham Sherwood 20mph speed limit shows positive results - Nov 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Average speeds are down, more people are choosing to walk or cycle rather than drive and there are fewer road injuries, a year after the city's first 20mph speed limit area was introduced in Sherwood.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Surveys of the scheme show there has been a 5.2% decrease in average speeds to 21.1mph from 22.3. The reduction in high speeds in the area is also positive, with 85% of drivers recorded as travelling at or below 27.9mph - a high speed reduction of 11.5%. On the Sherwood roads that are now part of the 20mph scheme, there have been on average 9.4 casualties per year in the five years before the speed restrictions were introduced. In the 12 months following the introduction of the 20mph speed limit, casualties have reduced to eight; all of them were slight injuries only.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/pressarchive/index.aspx?articleid=28895">http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/pressarchive/index.aspx?articleid=28895</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health calls for national default 20mph limit - Nov 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health recently publisged its manifesto for Making the UK’s child health outcomes comparable to the best in the world. </span><span style="color: #222222;">Amongst the recommendations was a call to reduce the national speed limit in built up areas to 20mph to reduce the number of deaths by road traffic accidents.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">See the <a href="http://www.rcpch.ac.uk/system/files/protected/news/RCPCH%20Child%20Health%20Manifesto%20WEB.pdf" target="_blank">full report</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>20mph Improves Public Health Says Literature Review - Oct 2014</b>The Journal of Public Health has published a paper summarising research on 20mph zones and limits. Scientific literature confirmed that 20mph is effective at improving public health via reduced accidents and injuries. <a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/PRel/PH_Evidence.pdf" target="_blank">20splenty briefing</a><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>20's Plenty for Us and Vision 2020 calls for 20mph limits to help people to see and be seen on roads- Oct 2014</b>The 20’s Plenty for Us campaign, supported by VISION 2020 UK, is calling for a 20mph default speed limit in residential streets without physical calming in order to protect vulnerable road users, including those who are blind and partially-sighted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/PRel/vision.pdf" target="_blank">20splenty briefing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Edinburgh's 20mph Limit Trial A Resounding Success - Sep 2014</b>Edinburgh’s 20mph limit trial showed improved popularity, perceptions of safety and cycling and walking levels. Cycling to school trebled. Parental permission for outside play doubled. Speeds and car use fell. Proposals extend the benefits citywide. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/PRel/Edinburgh.pdf" target="_blank">20splenty briefing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Bogus analysis of DfT casualty figures by Institute of Advanced Motorists July 2014</b> IAM analysis of DfT casualty figures for 2013 show that as the total number of 20mph roads increases, so do the total number of casualties, but their conclusion that this is evidence of increased danger shows a woeful lack of understanding of statistics. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/PRel/bogusIAMrep.pdf" target="_blank">20splenty briefing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>City of London Celebrates 20mph Limit from July 20th<span style="white-space: pre;"> - </span>July 2014 </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The City of London Corporation will implement a 20mph limit on all its roads from 20th July. The square mile’s new lower limit will improve safety and the quality of life in the Capital’s financial hub.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/PRel/COL1.pdf" target="_blank">20splenty briefing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Capitals Are Going 20mph - Jun 2014</b>British capital cities are embracing wide 20mph speed limits. Lewisham will soon join nine other London Boroughs at 20mph. Edinburgh's plans for 20mph cover high streets and residential roads. Cardiff’s 20mph pilot has been installed. The streets of Paris will soon be almost entirely 30kmh (18mph). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/PRel/20mph_for_Capitals.pdf" target="_blank">20splenty briefing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Calderdale Embraces 20mph - Apr 2014</b>Calderdale is the first West Yorkshire Council set to approve a wide area Total 20mph limit residential road policy. Key is a commitment of £500k of public health funds for engagement and persuading drivers of the advantages of slower speeds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/Press_Releases/Calderdale.pdf" target="_blank">20splenty briefing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>20mph for 50% of London's Roads for Pedestrian Safety<span style="white-space: pre;"> - </span>Apr 2014</b>Two major pedestrian safety reports have underscored the vital role 20mph limits play to protect pedestrians from road danger. The Greater London Assembly Transport Committee wants half of London’s roads to go 20mph by 2016. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/Press_Releases/20London14.pdf" target="_blank">20splenty briefing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>YouGov poll shows that Britons want 20mph limits - Jan 14</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Academics at UWE Bristol’s Social Marketing Centre have analysed a YouGov survey and concluded that, whilst most Britons want and intend to abide by 20mph limits for residential and busy streets, they see the need for enforcement. </span><br />
<a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/Press_Releases/YGSurvey.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">20splenty briefing</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>20mph Limits: Best Public Health & Equalities Policy Option says Social Science Expert Prof. Danny Dorling - Jan 2014</b>The British Academy have a published a policy advice collection in which Prof Danny Dorling clearly lays out the evidence for wide 20mph limits as his top policy to tackle health inequalities. Entitled “If you could do one thing..” it is a guide for Local Authorities by nine leading Social Science academics. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/Press_Releases/20mph_Reduces_Health_Inequalities_DD_PR.pdf" target="_blank">20splenty briefing</a></span></div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-54134527399431734952014-11-21T10:53:00.004-08:002014-12-04T02:36:47.722-08:00Its been a while<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over a year since my last post and a frustrating year at that. Locally we seem to have made very little progress, but nationally the picture is looking very much more positive particularly in towns. In my next blog post I will try and sum up some of the key national highlights during 2014 (a long blog methinks!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will use the rest of this post to update on Leicestershire progress - a much shorter blog...!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In November 2013 County Councillor David Snartt spoke at the <span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"> </span>Environment and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee making the case that the Council should be reviewing their speed limit policy in the light of DfT guidance issued early in 2013. The points were well made but the response from the Highways official was dismissive, inaccurate and incomplete. I had expected that the Scrutiny Committee would ask some probing and challenging questions and that there would be some debate. Alas no they accepted what the officer said at face value and quickly moved on with no apparent decision or outcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have basically then spent the last year trying to get them to review the "decision" not to hold a scrutiny review, enlisting the help of David Snartt and my own county councillor Ivan Ould. We had been promised a meeting with the member for Highways Peter Osborne but this meeting never seemed to get arranged or was cancelled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally we were told in October 2014 that we did not need to meet with Peter Osborne and that the matter would be referred to Scrutiny. David Snartt wrote to the (new) chair of the Scrutiny Committee on 20th October. We have heard nothing since despite chasing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So a year on we are not much further forward - all very frustrating</span>Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-31405468033424006262013-10-20T13:57:00.002-07:002013-10-20T14:19:26.284-07:00Local Authority Overview & Scrutiny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Within local authorities there is an Overview & Scrutiny functions which provides checks and balances on the various executive functions of the council. Leicestershire County Council describe the role as:<br />
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The Overview and Scrutiny role is designed to support the work of the Council by providing for members:-</div>
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<li style="padding: 3px;">to review and scrutinise decisions taken by the Executive;</li>
<li style="padding: 3px;">to consider aspects of the performance of the Council;</li>
<li style="padding: 3px;">to assist in research, policy review and development;</li>
<li style="padding: 3px;">to provide a means of involving the community in the Council’s work;</li>
<li style="padding: 3px;">to involve itself with external organisations operating in the County to ensure that the interests of local people are enhanced by collaborative working.</li>
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Note the points about policy review and community involvement. There is a clear case that the council has failed to adapt its policy on speed limits following the government guidance issued at the beginning of 2013 in Dft Circular 2013/01 . See previous blog here <a href="http://sgstreets.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/dft-setting-speed-limits-positive-news.html">http://sgstreets.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/dft-setting-speed-limits-positive-news.html</a></div>
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There is evidence that other local authorities have formally revised their speed limit policies (or are in the process of doing so) and have consulted tyhe public on these policies. Here is an example in <a href="http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/transtreets/tranpan/ltp/LTP3/ltp3consult2013/" target="_blank">Hertfordshire</a> .</div>
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We are raising the issue of speed limit policy with the Leicestershire County Council with the <a href="http://politics.leics.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=1044" target="_blank">Environment and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee</a> which covers this function. We are joining forces with Woodhouse Eaves who also want to implement 20mph limits. Their local County Councillor has agreed to raise the issue on our behalf.</div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-55773334237015444872013-10-15T13:23:00.000-07:002013-10-20T14:19:49.471-07:00Stoke Golding Parish Council say No to 20mph limits<div class="p0" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the same month that saw high profile commitments to 20 mph in the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-24082024" target="_blank">City of London</a> and our second city <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-24208988" target="_blank">Birmingham</a>, Stoke Golding Parish Council unanimously reject 20 mph limits.</span><br />
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In a newsletter to residents they stated:</span><br />
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Parish Council discussed again the issue of a 20MPH speed limit and confirms that in their unanimous opinion that whilst safe streets are a priority and desirable, it would be misleading/pointless to give their opinion on a 20MPH zone when the present austerity cuts at County render it undeliverable, coupled with a lack of enforcement by police</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">”. This comes after protracted discussions with the Parish Council following a significant random survey of the village in late 2012. With 76% of respondents identifying speed as an issue and 67% supporting a village wide 20mph speed limit (only 22% opposed), we not unreasonably expected the Parish Council to support the majority view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had always anticipated problems with a Local Authority that is short of cash and which has failed to revise its speed limit strategy following new government guidance on speed limits issued earlier this year. We have looked at the historic accident data for Stoke Golding and the forecast savings from speed reductions should pay the modest amount for a 20 mph sign only scheme within a year. We also recognise that enforcement is a challenge which is why we are pleased that the Association of Chief Police Officers earlier this month updated its guidance on enforcement of speed limits. This sees the enforcement of 20 mph limits taken much more seriously with tougher penalties for those who wilfully offend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The change to 20 mph limits where people live is a movement, and it will take time to normalise this behaviour. It is not anti motorist - it actually has minimal impact on journey times. It is about a more equitable sharing of the public space where people live, socialise and travel. Towns and cities are getting the message in a big way with local authorities covering more than 11 million residents having now committed to 20 mph limits. Over the last several months there have been significant announcements of widespread implementation in Birmingham, London (City and many boroughs), Oxford, Liverpool, Manchester, Leicester and Brighton, to name but a few. These will join pioneering cities such as Portsmouth, Bristol and Hull who are now reaping the benefits in terms of lower accidents rates and increased walking and cycling. One day people will look back and say "surely we didn't used to let cars travel at 30 mph were people live" in the same way that we now say "surely we didn't used to let people smoke in public places".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So nationally the picture is very upbeat and we are quite convinced that the implementation of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20 mph limits is no longer "IF" but "WHEN". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have talked to several other villages around the country and a 3 to 5 year campaign is not uncommon, but success has been achieved. We are therefore planning to join forces with other like minded groups in Leicestershire to try and influence county policy and consider how best to continue locally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> </span>Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-65349683044106354522013-10-14T14:17:00.000-07:002013-10-20T14:19:00.822-07:00ACPO Reviews guidance on speed limit enforcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Association of Chief Police Officerts (ACPO) has revised its speed enforcement policy guidelines to reflect a tougher approach to <a href="http://www.acpo.police.uk/documents/uniformed/2013/201305-uoba-joining-forces-safer-roads.pdf" target="_blank">enforcing 20 mph limits</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new guidance recommends that at speeds between 24-31mph a driver should be offered the option of attending a speed awareness course or a fixed penalty notice fine. At speeds of 35mph plus a summons will be issued.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p>Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, ACPO national policing lead on roads policing, said: <i>“Speeding remains an issue of high concern, particularly in residential areas or near facilities for young or vulnerable people."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This is welcome news. In the past the ACPO have been criticised for their failure to enforce 20 mph speed limits. I am still concerned about the frequent statements of "self enforcing". Yes in an ideal world roads would be designed so that vehicles can only travel at a safe speed, but unfortunately many of our roads are just not like that. At the end of the day the motorist has to accept that a limit is a limit and must be obeyed.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this is part of a movement to take speed limits seriously in the UK. Currently limits are not observed by a significant number of motorists and that is because they are not enforced. I recently had a visitor from Australia staying with us and whilst out they observed <i>"don't a lot of people speed in England</i>". I have driven in Australia and almost everyone obeys the speed limit. Why?, because it is enforced and because it is regarded as socially unacceptable.</span></div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-84215738784717231152013-07-04T09:22:00.000-07:002013-07-04T09:22:01.099-07:0072% of Britain support 20 mph limits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYX-4sK4Xy0ke-OdI5TwF4Hg5ebbKo-aku8LV9rkWRVUJzp0Zerm1WIATWAu6BLI6YtM457a_FO6SwlQX4cZsi-NTga26Asr_m4_2Z58BOz3XzRPaLzVzMqrdUJIWGaCWewwj8Jl7O5I/s144/dft+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYX-4sK4Xy0ke-OdI5TwF4Hg5ebbKo-aku8LV9rkWRVUJzp0Zerm1WIATWAu6BLI6YtM457a_FO6SwlQX4cZsi-NTga26Asr_m4_2Z58BOz3XzRPaLzVzMqrdUJIWGaCWewwj8Jl7O5I/s144/dft+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
The 2012 British Social Attitudes Survey results have just been published. The results show 72% in favour of 20 mph limits with just 11% against. Women favour 20 mph speed limits more at 76% then men at 68%. The full report can be found here <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/209890/bsa-2012.pdf">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/209890/bsa-2012.pdf</a>.<br />
Page 21 also shows peoples attitudes to speed bumps and closing residential streets.Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-25075256203007960652013-07-04T04:43:00.001-07:002013-07-04T04:43:10.557-07:00Now you see it, now you don't<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JrQ8ydUQj7ug9GFxpMzY34glOYZaMWkcsBIVyetdUvZY746IzQ9udq0kua2n4Djp-dTGgBkCCtQM1T2VliJY4nswe2AIFTZIhWSfOXzuhOX_uiRZSZxA46VCntNN0m06Idc4S9gM5qI/s1600/chicane+now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JrQ8ydUQj7ug9GFxpMzY34glOYZaMWkcsBIVyetdUvZY746IzQ9udq0kua2n4Djp-dTGgBkCCtQM1T2VliJY4nswe2AIFTZIhWSfOXzuhOX_uiRZSZxA46VCntNN0m06Idc4S9gM5qI/s320/chicane+now.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now you see it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNiBA2BKNqN0lxHxn3_O-ae3IJXUZqEuHLXOftSmifJ0psUF98wl1O32QvtVro4egFAR3MAqdeIJYkH79y0PYG4DqdvRYuZEh4Q72LIvJynEg90gapkLZurzXYjX5Ekfc6-t4Wkm8ZT8/s1600/chicane+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNiBA2BKNqN0lxHxn3_O-ae3IJXUZqEuHLXOftSmifJ0psUF98wl1O32QvtVro4egFAR3MAqdeIJYkH79y0PYG4DqdvRYuZEh4Q72LIvJynEg90gapkLZurzXYjX5Ekfc6-t4Wkm8ZT8/s320/chicane+new.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now you don't</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Station Road in Stoke Golding is within the Conservation Area established in 2004. The view down Station Road past the old factory is noted as a "view to be protected". Unfortunately this view is has been spoilt by a rather ugly chicane. I don't think its the chicane that the problem rather its the signage which is rather over the top and shouts "highway" rather than "street". I would like to see a design which is more in keeping with the character of the conservation area. Maybe a nice planter perhaps with some reflectors. I have airbrushed out the signage on the second photo - doesn't it look better?<br />
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A review of the conservation area is ongoing. I have discussed the chicane with the council conservation area Barry Whirrity who has taken some photos and says he will talk with Highways.Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-47163467145212569052013-06-22T10:42:00.000-07:002013-07-06T10:56:49.512-07:00Barwell SUE update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6Ny913yrpwPcWQ2QPw47jfjEj6MdkabckF4X2j5wp3osbHnrgQHzk_E32fuufzREpZLGBPrDigJAikKMSUMM-50ZczSN8tsrW53k4D2BFRfA4eGL8Khg57FHGGBQPRAkpYcoVIh-YJA/s1600/barwell+sue+oak+fm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6Ny913yrpwPcWQ2QPw47jfjEj6MdkabckF4X2j5wp3osbHnrgQHzk_E32fuufzREpZLGBPrDigJAikKMSUMM-50ZczSN8tsrW53k4D2BFRfA4eGL8Khg57FHGGBQPRAkpYcoVIh-YJA/s320/barwell+sue+oak+fm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The Barwell SUE has been granted outline planning permission which included access and highway arrangements. Part of the submission was a late analysis by Highways which predicted data flows through the village using their LLITM model.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately their report did not contain readable traffic flow volumes so I subsequently asked for this information which they supplied in tabular form. I superimposed this data onto a local map (see below) together with the actual flows (in green) that we recorded when we audited traffic in the village in February 2013. There are two sets of predicted data flows from the LLITM model</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">"with mitigation" this means the (yet unspecified) changes to the main road network. i.e. the Rouges Lane, A47 and A5 junctions</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">"unmitigated" this means without changes to the main highway network</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP64ihfRle1M29lfqXMKP1YgwgCvrqU2tq5x91dK7TZqrW8jBnN29jPKItj6XXGyYMWuWVKXL7DJftf-F_6ZPW1H0jvwP1N5MeCy4N6Gj_BX0ZRaQAGOj7UomAGTFTY8wMqeWDYy5PT8/s1600/barwell+SUE+LLITM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP64ihfRle1M29lfqXMKP1YgwgCvrqU2tq5x91dK7TZqrW8jBnN29jPKItj6XXGyYMWuWVKXL7DJftf-F_6ZPW1H0jvwP1N5MeCy4N6Gj_BX0ZRaQAGOj7UomAGTFTY8wMqeWDYy5PT8/s640/barwell+SUE+LLITM.png" width="442" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Highways conclusion is that there will be very little additional <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">traffic</span> along the rural network, hence they see no need to consider local rural mitigation. We have to first convince them that the model is wrong and / or convince them that there are not viable solutions to the Rogues Lane and A47 junctions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There has subsequently been a meeting of the joint parish councils to discuss the issue of Barwell SUE <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">traffic</span>. At this meeting Ivan Ould (County Councillor) was tasked to talk to Highways. Ivan is currently trying to set up this meeting.</span></div>
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Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-17477749225700772182013-06-01T10:22:00.000-07:002013-07-06T10:59:41.206-07:00Stoke Golding Traffic Audit - Feb 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgafvpJ6U2NiDD1IOyxp0V-3ekHVQrKXquKWYl3jQmrOmMzxuk_aoBuU_WH8IUSwXDkZzEWb_GMWb6oYEGqxkxpHUV5yaWDZr41yYD5uDl4nvG3mcDgcRpKwhJnFu6gZjj48bD5OPCls/s1600/Counter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgafvpJ6U2NiDD1IOyxp0V-3ekHVQrKXquKWYl3jQmrOmMzxuk_aoBuU_WH8IUSwXDkZzEWb_GMWb6oYEGqxkxpHUV5yaWDZr41yYD5uDl4nvG3mcDgcRpKwhJnFu6gZjj48bD5OPCls/s200/Counter.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
A very long time in posting, but way back in February the residents of Stoke Golding carried out an audit of traffic during the morning rush hour. The object of the exercise was to form a baseline of traffic flow volumes in and out of the village. It was felt this baseline would be useful in identifying changes in traffic patterns over time with the planned Barwell Sustainable extension very much in mind. The full report is<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByUYaACvZoCrMC0xU2lNWnpfTVE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"> here </a><br />
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The diagram below is a useful summary showing the peak hourly traffic flows<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL_AEQc_-C9XQQXXYKV5Nvea_2ZI4jueEMXkVdN5s84oxKc4C4y59OhRC05s5o8N71bergIsRT8dg3ma4BTRq7Vs7Dm6i9vsAitaqXZSySUv_uWpiO2VMEKxnfaS-khqogRzqA9ZZ3PE/s1600/SG+Traffic+Audit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL_AEQc_-C9XQQXXYKV5Nvea_2ZI4jueEMXkVdN5s84oxKc4C4y59OhRC05s5o8N71bergIsRT8dg3ma4BTRq7Vs7Dm6i9vsAitaqXZSySUv_uWpiO2VMEKxnfaS-khqogRzqA9ZZ3PE/s640/SG+Traffic+Audit.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As expected most of the traffic is entering along Hinckley Road with a peak flow of 220 vehicles per hour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In total there were <span style="font-size: 11pt;">714 movements out and 466 movements in across the 2
hour monitoring period. This suggests there are just 248 <u>local</u> vehicles leaving the
village which seems much lower than expected for 750 houses.</span></span><br />
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<br />Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-30162022208312355522013-05-30T03:18:00.000-07:002013-07-04T03:21:07.459-07:004th Annual 20 mph Conference report John Morrison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZMGfQca29F-85ksm_YECL2gxPDVhpXuvgwklXxWRtPHYLEUFbCkaQZg0bXEkgFz2M3JLG-XjBPY8JfrImc_uXv0KRZotoLE78ECKMdqxLk-H8dgY6mLYe2-wXit0a2WWvCGb7RzPF5M/s790/ConfFlyerPic.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZMGfQca29F-85ksm_YECL2gxPDVhpXuvgwklXxWRtPHYLEUFbCkaQZg0bXEkgFz2M3JLG-XjBPY8JfrImc_uXv0KRZotoLE78ECKMdqxLk-H8dgY6mLYe2-wXit0a2WWvCGb7RzPF5M/s200/ConfFlyerPic.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Journalist John Morrison, a cycling campaigner from Kent, gives a personal view of the 4<sup>th</sup> annual 20 mph conference, which took place in Coventry on 23 May<o></o></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We journalists like reporting events, not processes. One day things are black, the next day they’re white. When something decisive happens, we know how to write the before-and-after story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Reporting a process, such as the gradual spread of 20 mph speed limits on urban streets over the last five years, is more difficult. It’s an under-the-radar story that isn’t black and white – more like fifty shades of grey, with the sexy bits left out. Social behaviour and expectations change imperceptibly, and then reach a tipping point at which the prevailing norms change. Drink-driving and smoking are examples of behaviour which used to be acceptable 50 years ago, but are now taboo. The opposite has happened for same-sex relationships. Finally the law catches up, and everyone wonders why it all took so long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The annual conference on 20 mph limits, which I attended for the first time in 2012, gives an opportunity to take a snapshot of a process which is largely unnoticed by the national media. Permitted rather than actively led by central government, local authorities are moving at their own pace to lower the standard 30 mph limit which has applied for decades on most urban streets. A year ago, the headline figure was that 8 million people in the UK lived in local authorities committed to 20 mph limits; now the figure is 12 million.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The change is happening much faster in cities and unitary authorities than in the rural shires. Lancashire is the only county to take the plunge so far, but the pace seems to be quickening. Rod King of 20’s Plenty for Us, points to a new circular on speed limits issued in January 2013 from the Department for Transport, which encouraged the switch. ‘This is a very clear push from the DfT,’ he says. ‘They have recognised that this is about the wider benefits, not just road safety.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Reducing casualties remains the key justification, but public health, which since April 2013 is the responsibility of local authorities rather than the NHS, is now emerging as a central driver for change. The spiralling costs of our national obesity epidemic can best be reduced by getting people to walk and cycle more. Bristol reported rises of more than 20% in walking and cycling after making the change. The economic case for 20 mph limits used to be based solely on statistics for casualty and crash reduction, but now the health benefits loom larger. As a cycling campaigner, I have always been convinced that high traffic speeds are the biggest single obstacle to getting more people on to their bikes.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Humps are over<o></o></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">20 mph limits used to involve ‘zones’ with expensive traffic calming, but the last government eased the rules, opening the door to making the change over much wider areas, with just a minimum of signage. The costs have fallen sharply, and local authorities find it cheaper than they expected. Campaigner Anna Semlyen, a councillor in York and a health economist, says Lancashire spent £6 million rather than the budgeted £9 million. ‘York is spending £3 a head. In Middlesbrough it was £1.80 a head – a bargain.’<o></o></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lower limits are proving popular with businesses, which need more footfall to compete with online retailers. There are also claims that house prices rise by 10% on streets where 20 mph limits replace 30 mph limits, even if the actual traffic speeds fall by a smaller amount. Satisfaction among residents seems to be high, with lower noise levels and pollution. Local politicians, at least in cities, now see the way the wind is blowing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">One useful aspect of the annual 20 mph conference, organised by transport training specialists PTRC, is that it gives a platform not just to supporters of lower limits but also to independent academics and even to those who disagree. The 20’s Plenty for Us movement is clearly influential, but this is a forum for local authority officers and engineers to find out what’s going on, not a campaigning rally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">20’s Plenty for Us steers a carefully neutral political course, and defines itself not as a Westminster-focused lobby group but as a national voluntary organisation supporting communities who want lower traffic speeds. This low-key approach seems to be paying dividends in opening doors to local authorities of all political colours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rod King’s current scenario is that a foreign tourist could arrive at St Pancras and travel by rail to Oxford, Bristol, Liverpool, Edinburgh, York, and Cambridge, then back to London, and find 20 mph limits in each historic city. The dots on the map, once few and far between, are spreading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It would be wrong to imagine that all the obstacles to 20 mph limits have miraculously vanished. Emma Sheridan of (Green-led) Brighton and Hove city council told the conference that support for the lower limits introduced in April 2013 was 55% with 45% against, with taxi drivers particularly opposed. ‘It has been highly political, but we have cross-party support.’ Brighton has been bolder than other cities by exempting only a few A and B roads from the 20 mph limits. Local police have ‘not been very supportive’, in her words. Emotions seem to be running higher than elsewhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Police now ready to enforce 20 mph</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">At last year’s conference, a representative of the chief police officers’ club ACPO got a frosty reception when he explained why police were reluctant to enforce 20 mph limits. That attitude has now softened; ACPO now says that where drivers are regularly and wilfully breaking the law ‘we would expect that officers will enforce the limit and prosecute offenders.’<o></o></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rod King’s view is that while every police force faces budget cuts, ‘There is a gradual realisation in the police that it’s not going to go away. This is the way our roads are headed, and there are heads coming out of the sand.’ However, the expectation is that the pressure for lower traffic speeds has to come from community involvement. Occasional enforcement by police is necessary, but is only a part of the mix. ‘This is about everybody playing their part.’ The 20’s Plenty for Us movement now has 197 local campaigns, 70 more than a year ago, with local councillors leading the way. The shift in mood has parallels in other EU countries, where 30 kph default limits have won support in the European Parliament and are the subject of an international petition to force the European Commission to act.<o></o></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Coventry conference heard research reports, some of them highly technical, which appeared to undermine some of the most frequent objections to 20 mph limits. According to Duncan Kay of research consultancy Ricardo-AEA, claims by motoring organisations that lower limits will lead to higher emissions and fuel consumption should be treated with caution. In fact the opposite may be true, and in the long run a modal shift towards walking and cycling will undoubtedly cut pollution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Catherine Purcell of the University of South Wales reported on research into how poorly children and old people judge vehicle speeds. The ability to tell how fast an approaching car is coming appears to be strongly age-related – which implies that lecturing primary school pupils on road safety won’t necessarily protect them. ‘It’s not enough to get children to pay attention – it is a matter of maturity in perception.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blackburn’s director of public health Dominic Harrison highlighted ‘very powerful guidance’ from NICE (now the Health Development Agency) on the need to involve health professionals in tackling transport and traffic issues, especially the high level of child casualties and the low level of physical activity in deprived areas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tipping point approaching?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">At some point in the next few years, the proverbial tipping point in the process is likely to arrive. Rod King’s estimate is that with public opinion firmly in favour of 20 mph limits (75% support them, according to the British Social Attitudes survey), the government will sooner or later have to adjust its benevolent but essentially laissez-faire policy of letting each local authority do its own thing.<o></o></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">‘We are in a transition from a situation where the norm in our towns and cities was 30 mph, with some special places where we would slow down. We are in transition towards 20 mph being the norm. Already in some of our iconic cities, the 30 mph streets constitute less than 10% of the total.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">‘How can we have a national limit of 30 mph with any credibility when so many of our cities have rejected it out of hand as only being suitable for a small minority of their roads? 20 mph is no longer the exception but the norm in so many places.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He argues for a change in the DfT signage regulations – not to make 20 mph compulsory everywhere, but to make it cheaper to introduce. Instead of the current situation where repeater signs are required on all 20 mph roads, 20’s Plenty for Us wants the rule changed to require such signs on 30 mph roads instead. ‘This would still allow local discretion, you can still have the whole of your town at 30 mph, but you pay for the repeater signs.’ </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The DfT has announced a review into road signage. My guess is that at some point in the next five years it will have to climb off the fence and clarify what the national policy really is, to avoid a confusing postcode lottery of varying limits on urban streets. That will be the moment when the process turns into an event. In journalistic terms, it will be a story.</span></div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-42237985617035383352013-05-03T01:55:00.000-07:002013-07-04T03:25:25.482-07:00WHO endorses area wide lower speed limits<div class="Default" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) new Pedestrian Safety report endorses area-wide lower speed limits. It is top level, conclusive proof that signed 20mph limits are effective. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The WHO’s </span><a href="http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/79753/1/9789241505352_eng.pdf" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Pedestrian Safety</span></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">: a road safety manual for decision-makers and practitioners<a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/press_releases.htm#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 19px;">[i]</span></span></a> has been published. This good practice guide has been in preparation and under review for a couple of years. WHO’s extensive 114 page report summarises published research on the science of road safety for those on foot. It uses case studies from around the globe. A distinguished peer review group have carefully studied the evidence including </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">a case study of Lancashire’s 20mph limits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The report says</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“One of the most effective ways to improve pedestrian safety is to reduce the speed of vehicles” (pg 75) and in particular, reducing speed limits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Specifically listed as a proven intervention is to</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Implement area-wide lower speed limit programmes, for example, 30 km/h” (20mph)</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> - pg 64</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Rod King, Founder and Campaign Director of 20’s Plenty for Us said:-</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">“World Health Organisation endorsement of wide area 20mph limits is fantastic news. WHO use stringent review processes. Their reports are the ultimate evidence of any intervention’s effectiveness. We know for certain that slower speeds save lives and prevent injuries which is why more and more communities are demanding 20mph speed limits where they live, work, shop and play.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Professor John Whitelegg, one of the expert reviewers said</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“<i>WHO backing is really helpful to those wanting safer streets with 20mph limits. Residents can point to this report and demand that their Councillors protect them from harm through slower limits”.</i></span></div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-8105569059824869602013-04-18T06:43:00.000-07:002013-07-04T03:34:59.833-07:00Stoke Golding casualty figures and cost<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The government only records accident data where there are personal injuries. There are several sites that map this government accident data. You might like to try this one </span><a href="http://www.crashmap.co.uk/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.crashmap.co.uk/</a><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><wbr></wbr>. <u><b>This shows 14 minor and 1 severe injury</b></u> over a 7 year period in Stoke Golding. This is purely based on </span><u>reported</u><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> accidents involving </span><u>injury</u><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. However</span> the majority of slight injuries go unreported. The DfT say the true road toll for all <span class="il">casualties</span> <u>is 3.5 times recorded incidents</u>. This adjustment is from comparing police and hospital data with the National Travel Survey’s collision involvement questionnaire. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">From <span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">my own experience there have been 4 accidents over the last 5 or 6 years just on the stretch of Station Road between Crown Hill Close and Higham Lane. Only one of these (thankfully it was not more) resulted in a recorded personal injury and is shown on the crashmap dataset. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I have been looking into the <span class="il">costs</span> associated with these injuries. Unfortunately the DfT appraisal tool does not contain a model specifically for 20 mph schemes in villages (just towns). However it does quote an average <span class="il">cost</span> associated with injuries. These <span class="il">costs</span> say a serious injury <span class="il">costs</span> £206,791 and a slight injury £21,556. So this gives a total <span class="il">cost</span> of injuries in Stoke Golding of £508,000 over 7 years (around £72,000 pa). A fatality (heaven forbid) <span class="il">costs </span>£1,820,760 by the way.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><u></u>If we were to reduce accidents by 50-60% which other schemes (town based I admit) have achieved there would be a financial saving of £36,000 pa. Assuming the implementation <span class="il">cost of 20 mph limits </span>turned out to be £15,000, the scheme would pay back in under 6 months!! Conservatively I would hope to achieve a 20% reduction in accidents <u>giving a payback of around a year</u>. The DfT's own figures show that a 1 mph reduction in speed achieves a 5% decrease in <span class="il">casualties,</span> so a 20% decrease only represents an average speed reduction of 4 mph which is very achievable. This is a fantastic <span class="il">cost</span> benefit case before your even start thinking about the <span class="il">costs</span> associated with the "hidden" accidents.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><u></u>The benefits of course are not all about tangible <span class="il">costs</span>. For me it is also very much about quality of life. Reduced traffic speeds lead to increased walking and cycling with consequential improvements in health and reductions in traffic volumes. The Stoke Golding survey very clearly showed that the vulnerable in particular live in fear of speeding traffic. This causes loss of freedoms and can also result in loss of cohesion in the community. I have seen articles which state</span> that a 20 mph speed limit can make people more likely to maintain a friendly relationship with neighbours and local people.</span></div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-73603769733675562952013-03-11T09:55:00.000-07:002013-07-04T09:56:11.054-07:00Association Chief Police Offices clarifies position on 20 mph enforcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is verbatim a letter that was sent to the APPCG co-chairs from the ACPO ‘Lead on Roads Policing’, Suzette Davenport, Chief Constable, Gloucestershire Constabulary on 6th March 2013.</div>
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Julian Huppert MP and Ian Austin MP</div>
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Co-chairs<br />All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Group<br />House of Commons, London SW1A 1AA</div>
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Dear Mr Huppert and Mr Austin</div>
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Clarification of the ACPO position on 20 miles per hour speed limits</div>
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I write further to the recent All‐Party Parliamentary Cycling group evidence session on ‘Get Britain Cycling’. ACC Mark Milsom represented the ACPO roads policing portfolio to address the group’s questions from a policing perspective.</div>
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Following a very specific line of questioning on the subject, we believe the police service position on the issue 20 mph speed limits requires further clarification. For accuracy, we would be grateful if you would reflect this correspondence in written evidence for your eventual report.</div>
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We can clearly state that it is incorrect to say that police officers are not enforcing 20mph speed limits.</div>
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20mph zones are predominantly introduced in residential areas where road safety has been raised as an issue by those who live locally. The approach of neighbourhood policing teams in every community is built around ensuring that local crime and disorder issues and concerns are identified, so that a police force delivers an appropriate policing response. This applies to enforcement of 20mph zones as to any other area of policing.</div>
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Police and Crime Commissioners are now responsible for setting strategic policing priorities for each police force and in areas where 20mph zones are a local concern, may include enforcement within local policing plans.</div>
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In most cases, 20 mph limits will follow Department of Transport guidance and include ‘road calming’ features such as speed bumps or traffic islands designed to slow traffic. Wherever possible, we agree with the Department of Transport that 20mph zones should be ‘self‐enforcing’ through the use of such features. The guidance states:</div>
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“Successful 20 mph zones and 20 mph speed limits are generally self‐enforcing, i.e. the existing conditions of the road together with measures such as traffic calming or signing, publicity and information as part of the scheme, lead to a mean traffic speed compliant with the speed limit.</div>
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To achieve compliance there should be no expectation on the police to provide additional enforcement beyond their routine activity, unless this has been explicitly agreed.”</div>
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ACPO speed enforcement guidelines (attached to this letter) include thresholds for enforcement across all speed limits, intended to underpin a consistent policing approach. Within that framework local police forces will take a responsible and proportionate approach to enforcement of 20mph limits based on their assessment of risk to individuals, property and the seriousness of any breach. Where drivers are regularly and wilfully breaking the law we would expect that officers will enforce the limit and prosecute offenders.<br />I trust that this sets out our position clearly. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.</div>
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Yours faithfully<br />Suzette Davenport<br />Chief Constable, Gloucestershire Constabulary<br />ACPO Lead for ROADS POLICING</div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-73732205967412850342013-01-21T03:56:00.002-08:002013-07-04T03:35:20.993-07:00DfT Setting Speed Limits - Positive news for rural speed limits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The government has published its latest guidance on setting speed limits. This is contained in DfT Department for Transport circular 01/2013 . This guidance is effective immediately.</span><br />
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Launching the guidance, Stephen Hammond in a written statement to the house said that the new guidance <i>“incorporates recent changes that create more flexibility for authorities to implement 20mph limits and zones.”</i></div>
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The guidance recognises the benefits of 20 mph limits quoting a 5% reduction in accident rates for each 1 mph reduction in average speed. This accords well with a study from Hull which saw a 64% reduction in accident rates measured over the 3 years since implementation.</div>
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The new guidance encourages 20 mph limits in a number of ways :-<br />
· It identifies as priority for action that<i> “Traffic authorities are asked to keep their speed limits under review with changing circumstances, and to consider the introduction of more 20 mph limits and zones, over time, in urban areas and built-up village streets that are primarily residential, to ensure greater safety for pedestrians and cyclists, using the criteria in Section 6.”</i> (para 12)<br />
· It recognises the importance of the <i>“composition of road users (including existing and potential levels of vulnerable road users)”</i> as a key factor that needs to be taken into account. (para 30)<br />
· It recognises that <i>“Fear of traffic can affect peoples’ quality of life and the needs of vulnerable road users must be fully taken into account in order to further encourage these modes of travel and improve their safety. Speed management strategies should seek to protect local community life.”</i> (para 32). This para is particularly significant for Stoke Golding.</div>
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The guidance comes with an appraisal tool for measuring the benefits of 20 mph implementations in different circumstances. I understand the tool considers both accident and quality of life factors. I will be trying to get my head around this shortly. However I suspect we will not have all the data to run the model ourselves.<br />
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The circular also contains guidance on setting speed limits on rural roads which has significance for roads like Wykin Lane and Stoke Road. </div>
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So this looks like great news for rural communities. Lets see how Leicestershire County Council respond.</div>
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You can see the full document here <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/setting-local-speed-limits" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri;" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/<wbr></wbr>publications/setting-local-<wbr></wbr>speed-limits</a></div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-77733715034682146102013-01-16T08:32:00.000-08:002013-07-04T03:35:51.796-07:00Update from Parish Council Meeting<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">We presented the results of the traffic survey (see previous post) to the Parish
Council at the January meeting and we discussed how we could move forward
towards implementing a 20 mph limit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Parish Council</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">’</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">s view was that the best route forward was to combine the
20 mph "requirement" with a consideration of the impacts of the
<a href="http://www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/info/10106/major_projects/819/barwells_sustainable_urban_extension_sue" target="_blank">Barwell </a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/info/10106/major_projects/819/barwells_sustainable_urban_extension_sue" target="_blank">SustainableUrban Extension</a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">(</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">SUE</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> development. The
Barwell SUE proposals will see 2</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">500 homes built on the south western edge of Barwell</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> -</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">a </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">huge development.
Because employment opportunities will not be developed until the final phase</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> there will be 2</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">500 households
needing to go "somewhere" to work. The concern is that many of
them will be heading our way using Stoke Golding as a "rat run". The
Parish Council is planning to partner with the neighbouring parishes of Higham,
Peckleton and Sutton Cheney to address this issue. The parish councils are now
looking at the possibility of engaging a traffic consultant to help better
understand the impacts and to propose how these impacts can be mitigated and managed.
The Streets4All group will contribute to the terms of reference for this study
and will be involved in the study and follow on work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Streets4All group agreed this is a sensible way forward
based on the following considerations:<br />
a) it is difficult to treat 20 mph limits in isolation of the Barwell
SUE because of its major potential impact;<br />
b) this is probably the best opportunity to find a source of funding
for implementing change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">So this is not going to be quick (but it never was). But rest
assured that we have heard loud and clear what the village has said and we will
continue to work to make the streets of Stoke Golding safer and more liveable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-70584006639867470932013-01-02T07:14:00.000-08:002013-01-02T07:15:38.237-08:00European Citizen´s Initiative "30kmh – making streets liveable!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBPHKqxd7mYFdDzOnNccPqMV6LowGh7r-eY1CskjNNZv4bF17irQscyLkHauFv2YJ2fG9vLHZ1ZLEftP6o2DXPvj2nP8qrxSy-RJilFwOl2-D4-Y32VSVo2bOXmUCAO_TZbQPVf5If3I/s1600/ECI+30kph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBPHKqxd7mYFdDzOnNccPqMV6LowGh7r-eY1CskjNNZv4bF17irQscyLkHauFv2YJ2fG9vLHZ1ZLEftP6o2DXPvj2nP8qrxSy-RJilFwOl2-D4-Y32VSVo2bOXmUCAO_TZbQPVf5If3I/s320/ECI+30kph.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is an EU wide "petition" to make 30kph (20mph) the <u>default</u> speed limit where people live.</span><br />
<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If 1 million signatures can be collected in the next 12 months then the European Commission is bound to formally consider the proposal. You can find more details here </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://en.30kmh.eu/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: small;" target="_blank">http://en.30kmh.eu/</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The link for the petition (or more correctly the European Citizen's Initiative) is here <a href="https://30kmh.eu/oct-web-public/?lang=en%C2%A0" target="_blank">https://30kmh.eu/oct-web-public/?lang=en </a></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It only takes a minute or two to complete and remember each voter in the household can sign.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-45978163139910213152013-01-02T07:07:00.001-08:002013-01-02T07:07:55.288-08:0020 mph in the press<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2M5AtUoxzY/UORNNUtXxpI/AAAAAAAAApg/AisGSAGAx88/s1600/20mph+coloured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2M5AtUoxzY/UORNNUtXxpI/AAAAAAAAApg/AisGSAGAx88/s200/20mph+coloured.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The Independent has been talking about 20 mph limits. Their editorial from a couple of days ago is below and a more in depth article here: <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-20mph-revolution-millions-of-drivers-face-lower-speed-limits-as-new-laws-sweep-the-country-8434292.html" target="_blank">http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-20mph-revolution-millions-of-drivers-face-lower-speed-limits-as-new-laws-sweep-the-country-8434292.html </a><br />
Note their own survey found greater than 60% support which accords with our own survey here in Stoke Golding<br />
<br />
<b>Editorial: The Logic of 20 mph</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>That more
than a third of local authorities have either already instituted a 20mph speed
limit on some residential roads, or have plans to do so, can only be applauded.
And with public support for more stringent restrictions in built-up areas now
running at more than 60 per cent, as reported by this newspaper this week, it
can only be hoped that 20mph will soon become the new normal.</i></span><i>The most compelling argument is, of course, the
question of safety. Not only do drivers travelling at slower speeds have more
time to react. The damage inflicted by hitting a pedestrian at 20mph, as
opposed to 30mph, is also markedly reduced. Indeed, the human skull's ability
to withstand impact drops sharply beyond 20mph, perhaps because that is our own
top speed.</i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Statistics on accidents point the same way. More than half
of deaths and injuries occur in 30mph zones, so the effect of a blanket 20mph
limit in residential areas would be far from marginal. It might also help shift
</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Britain</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> from the top spot in the European league for
pedestrian fatalities. Indeed, with the most recent figures showing sharp rises
in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists (up by 5 per cent and
9 per cent respectively), it is difficult to argue convincingly in defence
of the status quo.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>Safety is, however, not the only consideration here. There
are also broader environmental benefits. Motorists' reservations might be
shaken, for example, when they consider that traffic is more likely to keep
flowing if cars maintain a steady (albeit more leisurely) pace, rather than
moving faster but braking more often. Pollution – both noise and particulate –
also noticeably decrease at slower speeds.</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>There is a downside, of course: journeys may take slightly
longer. But it is a matter of less than a minute, on the average urban journey,
when congestion, traffic lights and so on are taken into account. Set against
the trauma of broken bodies and ruined lives, a few seconds longer in the car
is surely a price worth paying?</i></span><br />
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-24134129190089779362012-12-26T09:31:00.000-08:002013-07-04T03:37:00.423-07:00Streets4All Stoke Golding Traffic Survey Results<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Thank you to everybody who recently took part of the Stoke Golding traffic perceptions survey. It has taken a while longer than we hoped to publish the results and because of the issue around the solar farm we have </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">deferred</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> meeting the </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">Parish</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Council until 9th Jan 2013. We will report the outcome of this meeting in a future blog post. But on to the results of the survey ...</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">A random sample
of Stoke Golding residents were asked whether they strongly agreed, agreed, were neutral , disagreed or strongly disagreed with the following statements:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span lang=EN-GB
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Our Vision<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>
<i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma'>We have a vision
of people friendly streets which are attractive and where young and old
feel safe; where drivers behave responsibly and where people are happy to
walk and cycle. We want our streets to be alive and vibrant where people can
live and socialise.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
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<span lang=EN-GB style='mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">1. I
support the <b>vision</b> for Stoke Golding
streets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Traffic <b>volume</b> is an issue within the village<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Traffic <b>speed</b> is an issue within the village<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">4. I
support the introduction of a <b>20 mph</b>
speed limit throughout the village<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Our Vision<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">We have a vision of people friendly streets which are attractive and where
young and old feel safe; where drivers behave responsibly and where people are
happy to walk and cycle. We want our streets to be alive and vibrant where
people can live and socialise.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We had a
fantastic response. 150 households were surveyed and we achieved returns from
124 households (83% response rate) and 209 residents. Statistically this
ensures that the results are representative of all residents plus or minus 5%. We would like to thank
residents for taking the time to complete the survey and for both their written
and verbal comments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF38Z_QS7gf1jOZhoHKIVQJV2TwenCS0FNSp_s8hDNy24AHVgrTafmgHFiypL9zBoDipY7saZ3pxmVDbic1Q5NOk2saWuyQaj9_qiTYRMOB5rrj2vAARGvqbNOnUgbZo5FKdZ4RMCf-II/s1600/graph.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF38Z_QS7gf1jOZhoHKIVQJV2TwenCS0FNSp_s8hDNy24AHVgrTafmgHFiypL9zBoDipY7saZ3pxmVDbic1Q5NOk2saWuyQaj9_qiTYRMOB5rrj2vAARGvqbNOnUgbZo5FKdZ4RMCf-II/s320/graph.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The results are compelling. The graph opposite shows
the count of how residents responded to each statement. The standout is how
strongly residents identified speed as an issue and supported both the vision
and the introduction of 20 mph limits. There is still significant concern over
traffic volume, but this is clearly considered a lesser issue than speed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px;">The counts were translated into agree, neutral and disagree percentages and are shown in the table below.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 6.75pt; margin-right: 6.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-prop-change: Brian 20121122T1821; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-table-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-table-left: right; mso-table-lspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-rspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-top: 1.75pt; width: 292px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 12.75pt; mso-prop-change: Brian 20121122T1821; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td nowrap="" style="background: #E6E6E6; height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt !msorm; width: 73.05pt;" valign="bottom" width="97"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-char-indent-count: 1.0; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: 7.8pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Statement <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background: #E6E6E6; height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt !msorm; width: 45.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="60"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">agree<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background: #E6E6E6; height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt !msorm; width: 48.8pt;" valign="bottom" width="65"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">neutral<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background: #E6E6E6; height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt !msorm; width: 51.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="69"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">disagree<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td nowrap="" style="background: #E6E6E6; height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.05pt;" valign="bottom" width="97"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-char-indent-count: 1.0; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: 7.8pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1. Vision<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 45.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="60"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">77%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.8pt;" valign="bottom" width="65"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">16%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 51.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="69"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">7%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td nowrap="" style="background: #E6E6E6; height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.05pt;" valign="bottom" width="97"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-char-indent-count: 1.0; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: 7.8pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">2. Volume<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 45.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="60"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">60%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.8pt;" valign="bottom" width="65"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">19%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 51.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="69"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">22%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td nowrap="" style="background: #E6E6E6; height: 12.75pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.05pt;" valign="bottom" width="97"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-char-indent-count: 1.0; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: 7.8pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">3. Speed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">76%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">12%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">12%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td nowrap="" style="background: #E6E6E6; height: 4.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.05pt;" valign="bottom" width="97"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-char-indent-count: 1.0; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: 7.8pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">4. 20 mph<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">67%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td nowrap="" style="height: 4.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.8pt;" valign="bottom" width="65"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-left: right; mso-element-top: 1.75pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">11%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">22%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">So the
residents of Stoke Golding have had their say and have told us loud and clear
that speed is a significant issue and they want vehicles to drive more slowly, specifically
at no more than 20 mph. We must respond to that mandate. Specifically we intend to push forward for the introduction of a village wide "sign only" 20 mph limit. The next step is to get the support of the Parish Council.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Watch this space for developments ...</span></div>
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Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-56984673928723381422012-10-16T12:22:00.002-07:002012-10-17T09:25:01.756-07:0020 mph speed limits FAQs<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PHc88jKfQCBQ5wi7seVqdahYXtLBEUWevpYNircFuzRtkBAzisHBosKBxMoRk6Thmf6iI0rGVEmeElMHDhnW6NmP-Rwyit07n485QlX9xYnK61MDR-560rlwpoOZRtRPSeou2XYdrww/s1600/FAQs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PHc88jKfQCBQ5wi7seVqdahYXtLBEUWevpYNircFuzRtkBAzisHBosKBxMoRk6Thmf6iI0rGVEmeElMHDhnW6NmP-Rwyit07n485QlX9xYnK61MDR-560rlwpoOZRtRPSeou2XYdrww/s200/FAQs.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We hope you will find the necessary information to make an informed judgement about whether 20 mph limits are a "good thing" for Stoke Golding. These are some of the questions we have heard when talking to others. You may also like to look at this previous post which makes the case </span><a href="http://sgstreets.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/20s-plenty-campaign-launched.html">http://sgstreets.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/20s-plenty-campaign-launched.html</a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">You will also find further reading here ... </span><a href="http://sgstreets.blogspot.co.uk/p/20-mph-reading.html">http://sgstreets.blogspot.co.uk/p/20-mph-reading.html</a></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Why?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Why do you want to do this?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our long term aim is that we want our streets to be a pleasant
environment where we feel safe and where we can live, play and socialise. We
want to be able to travel on foot or by bike if we choose. Calming traffic
speed is crucial to this long term aim. Lower speeds have been shown to reduce
accidents (and their severity) and at the same time they make for a more
pleasant environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Will a 20mph speed limit make
any difference?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This we know is a big challenge as it is about behaviours and culture as
enforcement is very difficult. As more and more 20mph limits are introduced
across the country it will start to become normal behaviour, but this will take
time. In the short term, evidence in other areas shows signing alone will
reduce average speeds but perhaps by 5 or 6 mph rather than 10 mph. We aim to
support implementation with an awareness and education campaign – we are hopeful that we can persuade most local residents to drive at this speed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Why Stoke Golding?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Stoke Golding is increasingly becoming a “rat run” particularly during
the rush hours (you only have to look at </span><st1:street><st1:address><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hinckley Road</span></st1:address></st1:street><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> or </span><st1:street><st1:address><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Station Road</span></st1:address></st1:street><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">). The planned
major housing development at Barwell could make this significantly worse. We want these
drivers to behave responsibly with respect for our village and residents. Traffic speeds
particularly on the main thoroughfares remain very high as reported by
residents and evidenced through the 2009 Speedwatch survey. Traffic was
identified as a significant issue in the last village survey in 2007 - we don't believe much has changed since<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Why now?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Recent changes to government guidance and legislation make it much
easier to implement 20 mph limits. The tide is turning and 20 mph will start to
become the norm where people live. We want to make sure that Stoke Golding is
at the front of the queue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Where can I find out more information?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There is a lot of good information on the internet. The “20s is plenty
for us” website is a good place to start. We have tried to pull together what
we consider to be some of the better references on our blog here <o:p></o:p></span><a href="http://sgstreets.blogspot.co.uk/p/20-mph-reading.html">http://sgstreets.blogspot.co.uk/p/20-mph-reading.html</a></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Implementation<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Do you have the support of
the Parish Council and Leicestershire Highways?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We have spoken to the Parish Council on more than one occasion. They
want to see that there is a mandate for this in the village. They are
supportive of us carrying out the survey and have given an undertaking to
listen to the views expressed by residents. We have also spoken to our County
Councillor Ivan Ould who takes a similar position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">At this stage we have not spoken to Highways as we want to do this from
a position of strength (i.e. with a mandate). We expect resistance, but mostly
about funding . We will point out to them that government guidance asks them to
consider implementing 20mph limits where people live, and we will want to
explore ways in which implementation might be achieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">How do you implement a 20 mph
limit?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">First of all a RTO (Road Traffic Order) is required to legally change a
speed limit. Then it is just a question of signing. Signing is required at the
start and end of the limit and then repeater signs are required at intervals along
each street. Traffic calming is not required.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">What does it cost and how
would it be funded?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">No two implementations are the same. However costs for other schemes
have typically worked out between £2-4 per resident. As noted earlier this does
not feature in LCCs current funding plan. However they have a 3 year rolling
plan that is updated annually. Experience of other groups has been that money
can be found if there is strong public and political support. Other County
Councils (e.g. Cambridgeshire) have supported an approach whereby the local
community raises the required funds and they implement the scheme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Survey<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">How have you chosen who to
survey?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We have all the addresses within Stoke Golding and have then randomly
chosen 120 households to survey. Depending on the number of returns this should
statistically give us around 95% confidence in the results<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Why are you only surveying
adults?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We would liked to have included children in the survey – in many ways
they are more impacted by traffic speed than adults. However from a practical
point of view we do not know how many children live in the village but we do know
how many electors there are. By restricting the survey to adults we are able to
statistically validate the results. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We would love to hear the views of children though (just email or phone) and would like to get
them involved in our campaign. Later we would like to engage with children
through schools and other community groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">What happens next?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When we have collected the survey returns we will publish summary
results on our blog. We aim to go to the December Parish Council meeting to
present the results. If there is a clear mandate we will then be looking to
meet with Highways to present our case. We will use our blog (and the Stoker)
to keep people up to date with developments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-54848143766564678282012-10-08T07:36:00.000-07:002013-07-04T03:37:20.260-07:00Parish Council give their support for 20mph survey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEq-5l4Zt-8p3rqxq7hBBK0B0CrYbbzRGu3j1KEXtJecfHQiYYY12DjpXO4KprDOSZVm0kvT-O34CcRGYTETMQoIsxELmOTD5l1vtLTggYnUGjXCrpb_1sEiL2ciz1TtgDfIk1rghkIQ/s1600/pc+meeting.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEq-5l4Zt-8p3rqxq7hBBK0B0CrYbbzRGu3j1KEXtJecfHQiYYY12DjpXO4KprDOSZVm0kvT-O34CcRGYTETMQoIsxELmOTD5l1vtLTggYnUGjXCrpb_1sEiL2ciz1TtgDfIk1rghkIQ/s200/pc+meeting.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
We went along to the October Parish Council to discuss our plans to survey the village regarding support for 20 mph speed limits. We are pleased to say that we left with support for the process and an undertaking to take on board the views that are expressed by residents.<br />
<br />
We are finalising the survey now. Our plan is to distribute these wc 29th October and collect responses door to door the 2 weeks commencing 5th November. So hopefully we will have results to publish towards the end of November 2012.Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-49992578460740853062012-09-14T11:09:00.000-07:002013-07-04T03:39:19.093-07:0020s plenty campaign launched<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeMlPXRXkSqFANv14czRLMWoHDLyItPW6dRkRVr24zgNEOdne4avosJPnUB-qTI2HMGV_8Wp-dR2qWvM_Kf8hpRloHXDJwu92lnqF-NibZ8_XykDQe8u1KA6ApWK1BjAU8Vlal-lKIR8/s1600/20s+plenty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeMlPXRXkSqFANv14czRLMWoHDLyItPW6dRkRVr24zgNEOdne4avosJPnUB-qTI2HMGV_8Wp-dR2qWvM_Kf8hpRloHXDJwu92lnqF-NibZ8_XykDQe8u1KA6ApWK1BjAU8Vlal-lKIR8/s320/20s+plenty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Since presenting our vision at the Annual Parish Meeting way back in March we have been struggling to work out how to engage with more villagers and what we should tackle as a first step towards our vision.<br />
<br />
We have decided to campaign for a blanket 20mph speed limit within the village. We believe that reducing traffic speeds is key to achieving our vision. In addition this is nothing new - there is ever increasing public and legislative support for 20mph speed limits in urban areas where people live. It remains to be seen if there will be the same levels of support within the village - more of this later.<br />
<br />
We intend to join up with the national <a href="http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/" target="_blank">20s Plenty For Us</a> campaign as this will give us access to proven resources and expertise. There are now 150 campaigns across the country ranging from city wide initiatives to smaller villages like ourselves. We have already learnt a lot by talking to them. It you are interested I would recommend perusing their website. The "Why" and "20mph facts" pages are good starting points.<br />
<br />
The case for 20mph limits is compelling. Lower accident rates and the consequences of accidents are less severe. Most children hit by a car at 20mph make a full recovery - sadly this is not the case at 30mph. As traffic speeds drop people feel more confident to walk and cycle and this in terms brings health benefits. With lower speeds, streets generally become a more pleasant environment to be in. Neighbours can stop and chat to each other without being drowned out by car noise. Children can get around with less parental supervision.<br />
<br />
Recent surveys indicate that over 80% of people support 20mph limits (without humps) for residential roads so there is clear public support. Recent government guidance recommends local authorities consider implementing 20mph limits in urban areas where people live. To support this guidance, changes to legislation make 20mph limits simpler and cheaper to implement - a city wide implementation in Porstmouth cost just £333 per street.<br />
<br />
We need to know how Stoke Golding residents feel about this. During October we will be conducting a survey of approx 120 households (about 15%). Hopefully we will get a positive response which will give necessary mandate to move the campaign forward and persuade Councillors and local authorities. We aim to publish the results towards the end of October.<br />
<br />
We would love to get some more people involved. If you care enough please contact Alan White <a href="mailto:alanwhitesg@gmail.com">alanwhitesg@gmail.com</a>Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-71030797651553675432012-09-07T07:11:00.000-07:002013-07-04T03:36:30.459-07:00Convent Corner Design Approved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6cgqqkU6qjiTRUhQr7wPOe5N0sR3qziykQSxLuqEekoeTmkZlGpF4hgJNRSsMTw4Sl3ZrRAv-NqZgstOIbcMWsLBdU5fRweQ37aIhLAgwWlDU7HYFYfnQCrJXsOyY0FIdbm3tiJgm2Q/s1600/IMG_0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6cgqqkU6qjiTRUhQr7wPOe5N0sR3qziykQSxLuqEekoeTmkZlGpF4hgJNRSsMTw4Sl3ZrRAv-NqZgstOIbcMWsLBdU5fRweQ37aIhLAgwWlDU7HYFYfnQCrJXsOyY0FIdbm3tiJgm2Q/s200/IMG_0597.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I understand that the detailed design for the proposed new junction at Convent Corner has now been approved. This has been discussed at length in earlier posts. So it would seem that despite concerns and representations from both St Martins School and the Parish Council only very limited changes have been made to the design.<br />
I for one am very frustrated by the whole process and the failure of the local authority to properly listen to local concerns.<br />
<br />
In particular I remain very concerned about sight lines from the proposed pedestrian crossing. I have asked the council for evidence that the crossing meets the relevant national standards. I will post again when I have a response.Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-21979425816809640572012-07-17T00:57:00.000-07:002012-07-17T00:57:01.942-07:00Lowering speed limits consultation - have your say<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB40PDpYwvR75M_sycGWcHjRAF1fDtnNUTsYsejzuq6Mss5AMYRM-oYDVnsPlVRYDHGPkLP3fhUlvh2T3keEzKY1Vm5fAqydUNh8OB6aae1hUHhRwjpf8fwAZ7PgCUDCPk9o10KjYZnYo/s1600/20mph-postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB40PDpYwvR75M_sycGWcHjRAF1fDtnNUTsYsejzuq6Mss5AMYRM-oYDVnsPlVRYDHGPkLP3fhUlvh2T3keEzKY1Vm5fAqydUNh8OB6aae1hUHhRwjpf8fwAZ7PgCUDCPk9o10KjYZnYo/s200/20mph-postcard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Many of you will have seen in the news (see <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/councils-to-get-speed-limit-powers-7944126.html" target="_blank">Independent</a> reporting for example) that there are proposals to give local authorities more scope to introduce 20mph limits in residential areas and also reduced speed limits on rural roads.<br />
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At this time the <a href="http://assets.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-32/setting-local-speed-limits.pdf" target="_blank">guidance</a> issued by the dft is in draft form and is out for public consultation<br />
<a href="https://consultation.dft.gov.uk/dft/speed-limit-circular">https://consultation.dft.gov.uk/dft/speed-limit-circular</a> this web page has a link to the draft proposal and a link allowing you to express your views. The consultation is open to 5th October 2012.<br />
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I have had a look at the proposals and in the context of our village and our aims have drawn out the following key points<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Speed limits should be evidence based and must consider a number of factors (e.g. accident rates, use by vulnerable users, road purpose, communities)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">It recognises the need for the limit to be reflective of the road condition (e.g. road geometry) and the purpose. It does not talk much about calming, but does recognise that factors other than speed limits need to be considered in managing traffic speed.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">There is talk of balancing the needs of non motorised road users and many references to considering the needs of vulnerable road users (e.g. cyclists, pedestrians). They also want to encourage more walkers and cyclists.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">There is recognition that roads also serve the needs of local communities and residents.</span></li>
<li>As regards 20mph limits there seems to be more of a leaning towards zones (requires calming measures) rather than limits. It suggest 20mph limits alone are only effective where speeds are already not more than 24mph</li>
<li>For rural roads there is a useful guidance table. From my interpretation this would certainly result in lower recommended speed limits for the approach roads into Stoke Golding.</li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">They are currently developing an online tool (Road Appraisal Tool) to help local authorities assess the costs and benefits of proposed schemes</span></li>
</ol>
The guidance says little about the process for reviewing speed limits - i.e. when and how does a speed limit get reviewed? The text says <i>"<span style="background-color: white;">Traffic authorities are asked to:</span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white;">- keep their speed limits under review with changing circumstances;</i><br />
<i>- consider the introduction of more 20 mph limits and zones, over</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>time, in urban areas, to ensure greater safety for pedestrians and cyclists, using the criteria in Section 6</i></span><br />
It also says that <i>"local residents may also express their concerns or desire for a lower speed limit and these comments should be considered". .</i>There does not appear to be any specific funding or any specific timescales<br />
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I would encourage readers to review the proposals and submit their own consultation comments.Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-37019553137893849192012-06-05T06:59:00.002-07:002012-06-05T06:59:41.883-07:00The Street Carpet that never was<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cQ-szvCqps1LM_cFgeIOLBpAvS-02E0ZkS1hxzL4JoycOGENdV91nRW46LHuKaGk4wz_tC2sCX3lhxjDDXlGrScu78EdCwhzgC20DXABx7P4RUDnUnpS4rRN17RVMjIxXk2pBrz6318/s1600/flag+&+tiles+test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cQ-szvCqps1LM_cFgeIOLBpAvS-02E0ZkS1hxzL4JoycOGENdV91nRW46LHuKaGk4wz_tC2sCX3lhxjDDXlGrScu78EdCwhzgC20DXABx7P4RUDnUnpS4rRN17RVMjIxXk2pBrz6318/s200/flag+&+tiles+test.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The prototype<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So after weeks of planning and preparation the Stoke Golding Street Party became a Village Hall Party due to a very rainy and miserable day. Upwards of 200 people were shoehorned into the Village Hall with "the club" providing an overflow for maybe another 100 people. We all had a great time, but just not the day that we had planned.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSNqHZ4unS_UA1kE5T2ZoHSWIUY7AwjcYrETS_018HsftT29GGyY6S0C0Wr58yztTOF7JGdREofkDfho0bvTxxOyFLQAScm4HW_yOXDeCvRZrC5DxdvOxB3obenVgIhKQZOxtlHA-weA/s1600/IMG_0573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSNqHZ4unS_UA1kE5T2ZoHSWIUY7AwjcYrETS_018HsftT29GGyY6S0C0Wr58yztTOF7JGdREofkDfho0bvTxxOyFLQAScm4HW_yOXDeCvRZrC5DxdvOxB3obenVgIhKQZOxtlHA-weA/s200/IMG_0573.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawdust dying / drying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC877Aoibh6cMHaeoZ29qLWdHZjSSQvt8d_w7U-ZUnWrQi_VnU5vXyqkZ575mMpIxKEpHHfSCCddPdVyqjJ9GAZ1ntZv4STQXsdLyuQF7-V63KkOc1AsapkAlBKj0u-F7dS38nGwk5hHs/s1600/sawdust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC877Aoibh6cMHaeoZ29qLWdHZjSSQvt8d_w7U-ZUnWrQi_VnU5vXyqkZ575mMpIxKEpHHfSCCddPdVyqjJ9GAZ1ntZv4STQXsdLyuQF7-V63KkOc1AsapkAlBKj0u-F7dS38nGwk5hHs/s200/sawdust.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw sawdust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Obviously the Street Carpet did not go ahead so I am now stuck with a shed full of sawdust wondering what to do. I had pinned great hopes on the Street Party to engage with a lot of villagers about our Sreets4All campaign using the Street Carpet as a talking point. I am struggling to think how we can move this forward now.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAhhn5tebfdAEpiZjUo3g_j9-I8s4YfDuw-YopTUpDGLnsnxYDHTYby72YuLI_5VL0q9DXiMoH0pH9T3EyLSDhQqrpy3lPL4n4nqOwBoHWvThOEBrW9INkRa_gAx40dJJZ3y8Wmz_EJ8/s1600/stencilling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAhhn5tebfdAEpiZjUo3g_j9-I8s4YfDuw-YopTUpDGLnsnxYDHTYby72YuLI_5VL0q9DXiMoH0pH9T3EyLSDhQqrpy3lPL4n4nqOwBoHWvThOEBrW9INkRa_gAx40dJJZ3y8Wmz_EJ8/s200/stencilling.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stencilled diamond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course the Olympics starts end of July. Sun 5th August is in the middle and 100m finals day - what be a great day for a Street Party, but could we mobilise people for a second attempt I wonder!<br />
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</div>Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326909572965375664.post-34048481763774032952012-05-29T01:08:00.000-07:002012-05-31T01:06:49.437-07:00Hinckley Road Street CarpetJust a few days to go now until the Stoke Golding Street Party. Hinckley Road will be closed from 11:00 - 16:00 and we are hoping for a fine day and lots of people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVV66vPha1r8W1V6Am687FLJUwU-1QxKB-_QHPJaraxzXpFrBetLJtil48vURe9j9Ox1UahNyUoHkoRSbVKKabxBM7rFYXcoMgdUGXIa8P5sqDHNh8B-iX-Ldg0mHSOX7r-6PcRlIuvrw/s1600/street+carpet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVV66vPha1r8W1V6Am687FLJUwU-1QxKB-_QHPJaraxzXpFrBetLJtil48vURe9j9Ox1UahNyUoHkoRSbVKKabxBM7rFYXcoMgdUGXIa8P5sqDHNh8B-iX-Ldg0mHSOX7r-6PcRlIuvrw/s320/street+carpet.png" width="320" /></a>We are planning to construct a sawdust street carpet across the road just by Thornfield Road. This is a natural crossing place for children visiting the "rec". We wanted to mock up a crossing to create a talking point for our Streets4All initiative, but we also wanted a fun activity for children to help construct on the day. The idea for a sawdust street carpet came from sawdust street carpets that are constructed for holy week in some South American countries have a look <a href="http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/the-colorful-street-carpets-of-semana-santa-in-antigua.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Our proposed design is somewhat less elaborate, but there again we will only have a few hours to work on it.<br />
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Its proved difficult to work out how to construct a sawdust street carpet, but I have found a source of cheap sawdust and been experimenting. The flag will have to be done freehand, then we have tile templates which we can move around to construct the main area filling in "grout lines" as we go. We have cardboard templates for diamonds, crowns, queens head and footprints that children should be able to help with. I have used simple poster paints to dye the sawdust with mixed results - the lighter colours do not work too well and the the blue is rather green. Here is a bit of a test with the union flag - pretty pleased really.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS61blLKALESq9Oi4gBTohUDqhVVZ4et2ztJKdK5XT2lQcdtDcCVv2aQ9wyHor0azY4t10DaTRJd_HJo68P9ollhpiBqszH-PO-_XzUjgah3hP2_LKf4NGUtJHhM24wFFOClsvA8UOkco/s1600/flag+test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS61blLKALESq9Oi4gBTohUDqhVVZ4et2ztJKdK5XT2lQcdtDcCVv2aQ9wyHor0azY4t10DaTRJd_HJo68P9ollhpiBqszH-PO-_XzUjgah3hP2_LKf4NGUtJHhM24wFFOClsvA8UOkco/s320/flag+test.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am hoping for a dry windless day although I have sprayers and watering can to damp it all down. Could all be a disaster, we can but try though. Watch this space to see how it all worked out.<br />
<br />Alan Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807520392240157941noreply@blogger.com0