Agenda item - Safer Roads Strategy 2014-2020 - A Road Safety Strategy for Brighton & Hove

Report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

That the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee approves the adoption of the ‘Safer Roads’ Road Safety Strategy.

12.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing that sought approval for the publication and dissemination of a new Road Safety Strategy for Brighton & Hove City Council for the period 2014-2020. The report was supplemented by a presentation.

12.2      The Chair asked if the responsible officer for elaboration on the targeted work on those travelling or commuting to work.

12.3      The Road Safety Manager confirmed that there were several road user groups targeted by the Strategy that had been identified using the data available. The Road Safety Manager clarified that the Brighton & Hove area had a higher than national and regional average for collisions involving people in the course of work and there would be targeted engagement and collaboration to reduce that total.

12.4      Councillor Janio stated that he was concerned about some of the presentation of information specifically the reference to a ‘citywide 20mph limit’ which was not the case and misleading.

12.5      The Chair stated that opposition Members were entitled to a briefing on any report where clarification was more information was needed. The Chair added that the 20mph was a citywide project in progress but, as Members would be aware, did not apply to every single street in the city.

12.6      Councillor Davey thanked officers for a comprehensive report on a very important issue. Councillor Davey stated that the specific work on powered two wheelers and the work conducted with the motorcycle community was due specific praise.

12.7      Councillor Deane stated her support for the report which was welcome in view of the benefit to the increasing vulnerable population in the city. Councillor Deane also noted the cost benefit to numerous public services in reducing road accidents and casualties.

12.8      Councillor Robins noted his support for the report and expressed his hope that road safety processes could become quicker with specific regard to the long running campaign for a crossing in South Portslade.

12.9      Councillor Cox stated that there were 5,000 deaths per year on roads in the United Kingdom of which he had first-hand experience as a former member of the police force. Councillor Cox noted that the road casualty figures for last year were the lowest ever and something that should be celebrated. However, whilst car safety had improved dramatically, that had not been the case for other users and that needed to be looked at. Councillor Cox urged caution in celebrating the statistics prematurely adding that he believed there needed to be targeted work on the biggest causes of accidents to decrease the figures further.

12.10   RESOLVED- That the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee approves the adoption of the ‘Safer Roads’ Road Safety Strategy.