Where next with flashing speed signs?

The Council says it is reviewing the use of Vehicle Activated Signs.

These signs, which typically flash the prevailing speed limit to approaching vehicles, were introduced in York about 10 years ago.

Flashing speed signs indicating those that are afulty

Flashing speed sign locations indicating those that are faulty

York locations where speed is a concern Click to enlarge

York locations where speed is a concern Click to enlarge

They are now seen across the country with many now using a system which alerts drivers to their actual speed.

Sadly the Council has not maintained the signs in York and several have not been working for many months.

Those that are faulty include the sign on Wetherby Road on the outbound carriageway. This was a problem location with the blind bend making it potentially hazardous  for drivers reversing into their driveways.

A report to a meeting next week identifies £50,000 which will be used to repair the faulty signs. The signs have had some success as anyone, who watches vehicles approaching an illuminated sign, will often see brake lights being applied by speeding drivers.

List of street where layout changes are proposed. Click to enlarge

List of street where layout changes are proposed. Click to enlarge

We think that a trial, where the actual speed of the vehicle is displayed, should be implemented  in the City.

There is also now a “smart” sign available which records the actual speed of passing vehicles (but not the identity) which would give traffic engineers valuable information about behaviours but without the need to set up special equipment.

Another  concern is the suggestion that the signs may only be used where an accident has been reported in the previous three years.  

Whereas accident locations should get priority for signs and camera enforcement, we believe that sites where a significant proportion of vehicles exceed the 30 mph limit, would also justify maintenance of the signs.

The report proposes action to reduce speeding at 16 sites.  Most involve low cost lane marking changes. A complete list of detailed proposals for all locations can be viewed by clicking here

A list of sites to be reassessed – which includes Green Lane and Askham Lane – can be viewed by clicking here

There are three roads – including Moor Lane in Woodthorpe and two roads in Copmanthorpe – which have acknowledged speeding issues which have still to be addressed

Wetherby Road

At Wetherby Road officials propose the introduction of cycle lanes.

 They don’t claim that there are large numbers of cyclists using this section of the highway (a new off road route for cyclists linking Rufforth was opened recently) but they claim that lanes – and the removal of central markings – would prompt drivers to be more cautious.

We have our doubts about that.

As a minimum, we would like to see the area added to the rota of visits by the Police speed camera van.

The faulty speed warning sign also needs to be repaired quickly.

Wetherby Road proposed highway layout changes click to enlarge

Wetherby Road proposed highway layout changes click to enlarge

12 month gap in York Councils speed check data …… accident levels up

A report to a Council meeting taking place next week has admitted that there have been no vehicle speed checks undertaken in the City for over 12 months.
Serious road traffic accident levels in York up during last three years

Serious road traffic accident levels in York up during last three years

The equipment is used to build up a picture of the speeds that traffic using specific roads has apparently been faulty.  The equipment is normally used by the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service although its maintenance (and replacement) rests with the Police Commissioners Office in Northallerton.

Roads awaiting speed monitoring equipment Click to access

Roads awaiting visit from  speed monitoring equipment Click to access

Judging by published meeting minutes, the issue of the missing equipment does not appear to have been discussed by any committee of either the Police or Fire Authorities. It is mentioned only by the York Council in an annual speed management update.  Money taken from speeding fines was used to purchase new equipment in July although “teething problems” prevented it being used for three months.

There is a backlog of 45 sites where speed surveys are required. Some date back 2 years.

The Police have continued to use their camera vans to monitor “problem” locations but they rarely use them for “reassurance” visits roads like Green Lane and Wetherby Road.  20 mph speed limits

Residents remain concerned about vehicles speeds (in both locations vehicle activated warning signs are in operation – and they are triggered by about 25% of passing vehicles).

The Council promises that the results of all speed checks will in future be made available publicly on a “Traffic Bureau web site”.

An electronic form which would allow residents to report speeding concerns was promised over 5 years ago. Officials claim that its introduction is now imminent.