Agenda item

(To receive a report by Steven Bachelor, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, which provides the Committee with an update on fatal and serious injury casualty figures for Lincolnshire)

Consideration was given to a report by the Senior Manager – Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, which provided an update on killed and serious injury (KSI) casualty figures for Lincolnshire, as well as data on trend, comparisons and areas of priority.

Members received a presentation which highlighted following key points in relation to the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP):

·       There had been 56 fatal road traffic collisions and 456 serious road traffic collisions in 2018, which amounted to 512 people killed or seriously injured in 2018, compared to a target of 387. The increase in figures was partly  due to a change in the way that data was reported

·       To date, there had been 48 fatal casualties recorded in 2019.

·       74% of casualties' causalities in Lincolnshire occurred on the rural road network.

·       Casualties causalities  were more likely to be male.

·       The highest risk groups were two wheel motor vehicle riders, young drivers (17-24) and mature road users (60+).

·       The LRSP comprised of LCC; the Police and Crime Commissioner; LFR; Lincolnshire Police; East Midlands Ambulance Service and Highways England.

·       LRSP Vision was 'to make significant year on year reductions in those killed or injured on Lincolnshire's roads through a sustainable, co-located road safety partnership delivering targeted interventions focussed on education, engineering and enforcement'.

·       The priority groups for LRSP were young drivers, mature drivers, two wheel motor vehicle users, pedal cyclists, pedestrians and business users.

·       The core objectives for LRSP were: A 20% reduction in the number of killed or seriously injured road casualties from an average annual number of 457 (in 2010 – 2012) to no more than 367 and A 20% reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured road casualties from an average number of 27(in 2010 – 2012) to no more than 22.

·       The LRSP were involved in a number of campaigns to improve safer road safety, and as also delivered training and education to schools and colleges to communicate the importance of road safety.

·       A number of enforcement techniques were in place to deal with road users who were driving or riding dangerously.

·       Members were advised that the methods currently deployed by the partnership were seen to be the most effective methods; however with more resource it was felt that the partnership could have a greater impact.

Members were invited to ask questions, in which the following points were noted:

·       It was clarified that the charge for the seatbelt was lower as it was an online course and required less resource.

·       Members questioned whether it would be possible to implement a policy which allowed more parish councils to amend speed limit restrictions in certain areas as it had proven to be successful in some areas. The Senior Manager – Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership advised that speed limits needed to be realistic and appear to feel appropriate for drivers. It was acknowledged that there was a balance to be made in respect to speed limits and it was important to ensure that compliance was appropriate for the area. The proposed change of speed limit would not always be appropriate or justifiable.

·       It was clarified that the policy for speed limits outside of schools was reviewed and implemented by the Highways department rather than the LSRP.

·       Members commended the use of and the effectiveness of the 'Mini Police'. It was noted that the LRSP liaised with the 'Mini Police' team as well as junior road safety officers.

·       Members were advised that officers had not yet received the final report on the effectiveness of the white gate scheme but LRSP were actively looking into this as a traffic calming solution. Officers were pleased with the results received so far at locations where white gates had been installed. 

·       It was noted that the measures for the costs of loss of life were set nationally and not a created by Lincolnshire County Council.

·       It was confirmed that operation Stealth was specific to high end offenders.

·       Members were informed that a change in the recording mechanism for Killed and Seriously Injured casualties had resulted in an apparent increase. As a result, it was unlikely that the partnership would achieve its core objectives by 2020.

·       It was acknowledged that more could be done to improve working relationships between the partnership and district councils. The partnership were currently working with North Kesteven District Council on a number of road safety measures. 

·       Members were advised that the partnership used Cadwell Park racing circuit to deliver performance plus motorcycle training. A representative from LSRP was also in attendance at all major motorcycle events to communicate the message of the partnership.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the report and comments made be noted;

2.    That the committee grant assurance on the work being       undertaken by LSRP to reduce the number of people killed and      injured on county.