Unity Quarter Area, Kersal

City of Salford (Unity Quarter Area, Kersal) Traffic Regulation Order 2018

Statement of reasons

Introduction

A request has been made to by Miller Homes, the developer of Racecourse Way and Unity Quarter estate’s off Oaklands Road. For the Council introduce traffic regulation orders, in support of the new developments. The purpose of the proposals is to facilitate road safety and the free flow of traffic. The restrictions will come into effect on completion of the proposed traffic regulation orders. As the road in question are already open to the public.

Proposal

To regulate traffic on the new residential estates, it is proposed to:

• Introduce 'No waiting at any time' restrictions at the entrance to the developments, Racecourse Way and Unity Quarter with their junctions on to Oaklands Road and also in the turning head on Racecourse Way between No's 24 and 26 Racecourse Way, to prevent parking that would obstruct sight lines, restrict access and turning movement.
• Introduce a 20mph zone on the Unity Quarter Estate in the interests of highway safety. The zone will be predominantly self-enforcing, as the roads within the estate bends and turn. Where there are straight lengths of road appropriate traffic calming features are present, therefore the estate is not conducive to speeds in excess of 20mph.

Legal position

Traffic Regulation Orders

The grounds for making traffic regulation orders are set out in Section 1 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (‘the RTRA‘). The main grounds are listed below:

• For avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of such danger arising.
• For preventing damage to the road or any building on or near the road.
• For facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of traffic (including pedestrians).
• For preventing the use of the road by vehicular traffic of a kind which or its use by vehicular traffic in a manner, which is unsuitable, having regard to the existing character of the road or adjoining property.
• For preserving the character of the road in a case where it is especially suitable for use by persons on horseback or on foot.
• For preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs.
• For any of the purposes specified in paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection 1 of section 87 of the Environment Act 1995 (Air Quality).

Speed limits

Section 81 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 provides that a national speed limit of 30mph shall apply to all motor vehicles on roads on where is a system of street lighting where the street lamps are no more than 200 yards apart. Section 84 of the RTRA empowers the council to make orders which impose a local speed limit of 20mph or greater than 30mph in the interests of promoting safety for all road users. Such speed limit orders may apply at all times or at specific times of the day.

In determining the need for local speed limit orders the council is required to take into account a number of factors eg the nature of the road/accident records/the mix of use by different groups of road users as well as the views of the local community.

General

In addition Section 122 of the RTRA requires the council when exercising its functions under this act to do so in such a way as (so far as practicable having regard to the matters specified below) to secure the expeditious convenient and safe movement of traffic and the provision of suitable and adequate parking facilities on and off the highway The matters specified are:

• the desirability of securing and maintaining reasonable access to premises;
• the effect on the amenities of an area;
• the national air quality strategy prepared under Section 80 of the Environment Act 1995;
• the importance of facilitating the passage of public service vehicles and of securing the safety and convenience of persons using or desiring to use such vehicles; and
• any other matters appearing to the council to be relevant.

The proposals referred to above are all required in the interests of road safety and facilitating the free flow of traffic, including:

• maintaining access / sight lines at junctions;
• facilitating public safety, particularly for children, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Comparison of these proposals with existing situation

Racecourse Way and Unity Quarter are new developments so there is no comparison to be made.

Consideration of alternative solutions

Officers consider that there are no viable alternatives to the introduction of these measures:

No waiting at any time - access and sight lines need to be maintained at all times.

A 30mph speed limit for on Unity Quarter would not be appropriate, due to the area being all residential and road layout is such that vehicles would find it difficult to exceed 20mph if due care was taken. As such the provision of a 20mph speed limit is proposed.

With regards to Racecourse Way this was also considered for a 20mph zone also, but by its very short length of road with a bend on it and traffic speed could not exceed 20mph negating the need for traffic signs, indicating a speed limit for which cars could not physically exceed. Preventing unnecessary sign clutter and maintenance and cost at public expense.

Consultations and issues raised

The Traffic Order Regulations require the council to consult with a number of bodies before making an order. In all cases:

• The Freight Transport Association.
• The Road Haulage Association.
• Such other organisations representing people likely to be affected by the order.

Where the order may affect:

• another council’s road – that council
• a Crown Road – the appropriate Crown authority
• a road subject to a concession – the concessionaire
• a tram service – the operator of the service
• the route of a local bus service – the operator of the service
• the passage of ambulances or fire fighting vehicles the chief officer of the NHS trust/ the fire and rescue authority.

The council must ensure that consultation is carried out at a time when proposals are still at a formative stage, that adequate time is given to allow consideration by consultees and that results are conscientiously taken into account when finalising proposals.

• The ward councillors have been consulted and support the proposed schemes.
• The Chief Constable has been consulted and no adverse comments were received.
• The Chief Fire Officer has been consulted and no adverse comments were received.
• The Chief Ambulance Officer has been consulted and no adverse comments were received.
• The Transport for Greater Manchester Chief Executive Officer has been consulted and no adverse comments were received.
• Parking Services have been consulted and have no concerns regarding the proposals.

Risk management implications

The proposals contained within this report are concerned with the assessment of risk in the area being considered and the measures required to manage the identified risk.

Implications for key council policies

• Anti-poverty implications – N/A
• Equal opportunities implications – N/A
• Environment implications - N/A
• Employment implications – N/A

Recommendations

It is recommended that the proposals outlined in this report be approved for the reasons set out above and the City Solicitor be authorised to advertise the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders and to make the Orders should no objections be maintained.