Roads and Transportation
ACCIDENT PREVENTION - Engineering
The role of engineering in road safety is to provide a safe road
environment for all road users. In East Ayrshire this function is carried out
by the Department of Development Services.
Accident prevention measures and accident reduction measures
Accident Prevention Measures
Accident Prevention Measures are used to reduce the risk of
accidents occurring as a result of:-
(a) the construction of new road schemes; and
(b) changing traffic patterns associated with new developments, be
they residential, commercial or industrial.
New Road Schemes (Safety Audits)
Each roads authority when constructing new roads is legally
required to take appropriate measures to reduce the possibility of accidents
when the road comes into use. To satisfy this requirement, major road schemes
are 'safety audited' by engineers with Accident Investigation and Prevention
(AIP) experience.
Safety audit is a formal, systematic procedure which is applied at
various stages of the design and construction of a road scheme. The audit
examines the safety implications of new roads on all road users i.e.
pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, and the main objective is to ensure that new
road schemes operate as safely as possible. By applying practical road safety
experience at these various stages, the possibility of unsafe features being
introduced into a scheme is reduced. Consequently, the likelihood of road
accidents is also reduced.
To be fully effective, the audit should be undertaken by a body
independent from the design team. However, it is not practicable for all
schemes to be independently audited, therefore a threshold has been adopted
below which the design team 'self-audits' their own work by completing
checklists. In addition to improving safety on individual schemes,
'self-auditing' helps to develop a safety ethos throughout the design
organisation.
New Developments (Development Control)
Before any new development can take place, planning permission
must be obtained from the planning authority. Road safety issues which may
arise in the proposed development are addressed when the planning application
is being considered.
When organisations other than the council wish to construct a new
road, they must obtain approval from the council in the form of a 'construction
consent'. This legal requirement ensures that developers' roads are constructed
to the safest possible standards which are set out in the council's approved
Roads Development Guide. The Guide is regularly updated to ensure that the most
appropriate standards are being used for the road layout, forward visibility
and other safety features associated with new development roads. The current
version includes standards for traffic calming measures which physically restrict
vehicle speeds to ensure that appropriate speeds are the norm once the road is
opened to traffic. Developers are required to prepare Transport Impact
Assessments (TIAs) for larger development proposals. The TIAs have to consider
the road safety implications of the proposals on the surrounding road network
and bring forward measures for:-
(a) the safe and efficient movement of traffic;
(b) facilities to cater for pedestrians and cyclists; and
(c) traffic calming in residential areas.
Accident Reduction Measures
Accident Reduction Measures are applicable to existing roads where
accidents are already occurring. The following paragraphs indicate the
processes involved in identifying, prioritising and monitoring accident
reduction measures.
Accident Investigation and Prevention (AIP)
Each roads authority is legally required to carry out studies of
road accidents and take appropriate preventative action. A proven and cost
effective technique for achieving this is Accident Investigation and Prevention
(AIP).
The first stage of the AIP procedure is to carry out an analysis of accident
records to identify where clusters of accidents are occurring in the road
network. Further, more detailed analyses are then carried out to establish the
causes and severity of the accidents and to ascertain any accident trends, e.g.
accidents involving right turning vehicles; child pedestrians or non-compliance
with traffic signs. Where such accident patterns are identified, AIP measures
can be designed to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
For an AIP programme to work, it is essential that an accident
database is maintained and that analysis is carried out regularly and
systematically.
Accident analysis is also used to identify where other road safety measures are
required, such as education, training, publicity and enhanced enforcement and
in the formulation of road safety policy.
Priority List Of Schemes
Potential road safety schemes are identified from the analysis of
injury accidents which have occurred during the most recent three year period.
Those which provide the greatest accident reductions and potential benefits are
included in the Road Safety Capital Programme. In determining the priorities,
preference is given to sites where there have been:-
(a) a high proportion of fatal and serious accidents; and
(b) a significant number of incidents involving vulnerable road users such as
elderly people, children, pedestrians and cyclists.
The Department of Development Services has undertaken a study of
accidents and traffic conditions in communities on busy through routes in East
Ayrshire. The findings of the study formed the basis of the programme of road
safety schemes approved in June, 1997; (see Action Plan - Engineering
Measures). Most schemes have now been completed or are under construction.
During the term of this Road Safety Plan, the list of schemes in the Capital
Programme will be reviewed every two years.
Monitoring
Monitoring the performance of AIP schemes is carried out on a
regular basis in order to identify the most effective measures.The results of
these assessments will be incorporated in future Road Safety Plans.
The following paragraphs set out a number of specific accident reduction
measures:
Speed Limit Review
The Department of Development Services regularly reviews existing speed limits
to ensure that they are appropriate in light of road accidents, traffic volumes
and pedestrian activity. New limits will be introduced where needed.
The council is participating in a national pilot study of advisory 20 mph
zones. Three areas have been chosen for the trial: Lainshaw in Stewarton;
Gilfoot in Newmilns; and Logan. If successful, similar schemes may be
introduced in other areas.
A national trial of part-time 20 mph zones at schools is being carried out by
the Government. If successful, consideration may be given to appropriate sites
in East Ayrshire, following consultation with the Police, the Education
Department and School Boards.
Developers will be required to provide traffic calming measures in accordance
with the Roads Development Guide, to facilitate 20 mph speed limits in new
residential areas.
Schools
The Development Services Department is responsible for signs and road markings
near schools and for the siting of school crossing patrols. This function is
carried out in consultation with the Police, Education Department and the
School Boards.
In recent years, some 27% of child pedestrian accidents occurred on the journey
to and from school demonstrating the need for additional safety measures. One
third of these casualties occurred in close proximity to the school entrance.
'Safer Routes To School' programmes are a relatively new development which are
being evaluated by some local authorities and are intended to enhance child
pedestrian safety on the journey to school and reduce the school gate
congestion problem.
These programmes comprise comprehensive packages of engineering and educational
measures designed to encourage walking and cycling to schools and discourage
pupils being transported by car. Such measures are consistent with the
Government's White Paper on Integrated Transport, and East Ayrshire's policies
for Community Health and Fitness. Consideration will be given to future Safer
Routes to School initiatives in East Ayrshire, in conjunction with other
relevant agencies.
Cycle Routes
A growth in cycle traffic is expected over the next few years due
to increasing constraints on car use and active encouragement of cycling by the
Government as an alternative mode of transport to the private car.
This will require the provision of leisure routes, and the
introduction of measures on low trafficked urban routes to facilitate cycling
to work and for other purposes. A Cycle Strategy Group meets on a regular basis
to discuss these and other issues.
A grant of £5000 has been made to Sustrans towards a feasibility
study of a long distance route from Dumfries through the Nith Valley into East
Ayrshire to join the west coast Millennium route.
Traffic Management
The aim of traffic management is to improve traffic circulation,
safety, and the environment. This is done through measures such as Traffic
Regulation Orders, minor roadworks, junction improvements, the installation of
traffic signals and the use of traffic signs.
Pedestrian needs are met through extensions to, and widening of
footways, and through the provision of pedestrian crossing facilities,
pedestrian zones and priority areas in shopping centres.
A process exists for people who are disabled to apply for an
advisory parking bay on the road which is provided if the council's criteria
are met.
Traffic Calming
Speeding accounts for more than a third of all road casualties in
East Ayrshire and increases the risk of death or serious injury for the people
who are involved in accidents. Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and
cyclists are particularly at risk. Research has shown that the severity of
pedestrian injuries rises significantly when the vehicle involved is travelling
at higher speeds:
· at 20 mph one
pedestrian in 20 is killed and most injuries are slight;
· at 30 mph
nearly a half of pedestrians are killed;
· at 40 mph
nearly all pedestrians are killed.
Traffic calming measures, such as road humps, chicanes,
carriageway narrowing, central islands, and enhanced road signs are used to
deter high speeds, improve safety and make it easier for pedestrians to cross
the road.
Road Maintenance
Good maintenance of the road network is essential to provide safe
passage for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Regular inspections are carried
out on all public roads and footways to identify safety defects which require
remedial action. A 24 hour emergency contact facility for Roads And Lighting
Faults (RALF) is also available.
Highway maintenance involves repairs to signing, lighting, drainage and safety
fencing, in addition to repairs to the surface of footways and carriageways.
Ground maintenance operations including grass cutting and hedge and tree
trimming are essential to provide safe passage and adequate visibility,
particularly at junctions.
The council also has a statutory obligation to take such steps as it considers
reasonable to prevent snow and ice endangering the safe passage of vehicles and
pedestrians over public roads and footways.
Street Lighting
The principal functions of street lighting are to reduce the
number of vehicle and pedestrian accidents at night and to enhance public
safety and encourage people to use the streets at night.
Trunk Roads
The Scottish Office has responsibility for trunk roads, including
the implementation of safety measures. In recent years they have carried out
accident investigation and prevention work on the A76 and A77, and traffic
calming in communities on the A76.
They have carried out a route action plan study for the A76 in
East Ayrshire and a programme of safety improvement schemes has been
identified.
The Secretary of State for Scotland has approved an extension of the M77 from
Malletsheugh to Fenwick following a public local inquiry.
By-Passes and Dual Carriageways
The provision of by-passes is recognised to have considerable
benefits in terms of movement of traffic, reduced pollution, and less risk of
accidents.
A number of towns in East Ayrshire lie on busy through routes and it is
noteworthy that clusters of accidents occur within these towns.
The council would wish to see by-passes provided in circumstances
such as these. Likewise, there are considerable benefits in dual carriageways
and the council would also wish to see a wider provision of these where
appropriate.
Strathclyde Police
Great emphasis is placed by the Police Traffic Department on its
ability to work closely with the Scottish Office, Unitary Authorities and
Contractors to identify engineering concerns on proposed and existing road
networks. To assist in this process of identifying concerns the Accident
Investigation and Prevention Unit have in place computer software capable of
analysing prominent accident locations, causation factors and vulnerable groups
and provide a level of information not previously available to provide targeted
and meaningful patrols. The appropriate use of technology in the detection of
speed and red light offenders has proven to be effective in influencing driver
behaviour and with continuous monitoring and planning this method of policing
through engineering will flourish.