Engagement report – traffic sensitive streets review

Overview

Executive summary

  • targeted review of traffic sensitive streets (TSS) designation following changes to national guidance
  • a 30-day consultation with those directly impacted by the regulation, consisting of lists, maps and a short survey to collect views
  • there were 19 responses to the survey
  • of the 19 responses, 16 had no objections to the proposed streets being included (84%)
  • of the remaining three, one specified two streets they objected to
  • five respondents said they felt other streets should be included (26%)
  • four respondents named five (different) streets that should be considered for inclusion on the proposed list

Introduction

We have a legal duty to co-ordinate all works on the county’s road network. A traffic sensitive street (TSS) is one on which any work will create delays and disruption at specified times. When a street is given TSS designation, it allows better traffic flow regulation by managing roadworks timing, for example, ensuring works are completed outside peak commuting time. The designations are reviewed regularly, using a strict government-set framework.

The national guidance has changed and a review of existing designations was required.

Stakeholders

  • public
  • others – utilities companies and agencies involved in street works were invited to comment online or directly to the service

Of the 19 people who completed the survey: 

  • 13 were residents
  • 3 were undertakers of works or promoters
  • 1 was from a neighbouring authority
  • 1 was from a passenger transport authority
  • 1 didn’t respond to the question

Methodology

  • three key documents listing and showing affected streets were placed on the Let’s talk Lincolnshire platform
  • a short survey was hosted on the site asking for feedback
  • a written invite to comment was sent directly to primary stakeholders (specified above)

Findings

  • the project page had 126 visits from 115 individuals and representatives
  • the majority (109) came to the project page direct as a result of targeted communications
  • over 35 potential respondents (36) downloaded key documents (over a third were the street list)
  • over 110 people viewed more than one project page (115)
  • almost 20 stakeholders (19) completed the survey to provide feedback
  • no diversity data was collected and the survey was completed anonymously. The only personal and sensitive data available is from those already registered on the platform (6) and therefore not statistically relevant

There were three objections to streets being included on the list:

  • two residents did not name the street(s) they objected to
  • an undertaker of works objected to two roads. One because of its width and vehicles per hour. One querying its designation. This was reviewed by LCC and determined that the width and vehicles per hour requirement were met. The latter was removed from the proposed streets

There were five responses from people who believed streets were missing from the list:

  • four respondents named five (different) streets that should be considered for inclusion on the proposed list – we reviewed this information and found that the streets suggested did not meet the criteria required for designation
  • one resident did not specify which streets should be added

Other comments included:

  • one resident requested:
    • more dual carriageways
    • the removal of traffic lights on roundabouts
    • stop reducing speed limits
    • stop making bus cycle lanes
  • one representative body thought that it was a fair survey of streets and categories of the sensitivity, along with a fair reduction
  • others requested we consider including the following roads:
    • A153 Cadwell and A631 Market Rasen due to tourism – unable to designate as tourism is no longer a designation criteria and traffic data available does not meet criteria
    • Winn Street, Lincoln and the streets between Winn Street and Monks Road are used as rat runs – Monks Road is a current traffic sensitive street. We do not hold data for the streets in between, however, it is not expected that these would meet the criteria
    • B1241 between Saxilby and Lea - in order to make the B1241 traffic sensitive, it would require a traffic flow of 500 vehicles per hour per lane as it is greater than 6.5 metres wide. The current vehicle count data for this road is 291 per hour in both directions, so we are unable to make it traffic sensitive on that basis.
    • Burton Road between Yarborough and Rasen Lane. The other side of Burton Road between Yarborough and the edge of the city is classified as traffic sensitive; this classification should continue further down to Rasen Lane – the proposal is felt sufficient on the basis of the data available to us

There was also a request for the key for the map to be improved. They queried whether the times listed were the restricted time or not. They also mentioned that there was no version number or date on the map.

Conclusions and next steps

The response number was low, despite direct mailing. The response quality was limited by the small number of comments provided.

The consultation process is statutory and therefore has little flexibility, but greater representation might be achieved through targeting of other representative bodies such as town and parish councils.

The introduction and each document could include the TSS definition to help respondents find it more easily.

The next step will be to update the Let’s talk Lincolnshire platform with this findings report. Email responses have been sent to those who provided comment and contact details. Amendments to the TSS list will be made and it is our intention to make the proposal live in February.