Agenda item

(To receive a report from Steve Batchelor, LRSP Senior Manager, which seeks to provide the Committee with an update on fatal, killed and serious injury (KSI) casualty figures for Lincolnshire)

Consideration was given to a report from Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP) Senior Manager which sought to provide the Committee with an update on fatal, killed and serious injury (KSI) casualty figures for Lincolnshire. The Committee were advised that The Covid-19 Pandemic had a sustained and dramatic impact on road use throughout 2020 and 2021 which made direct comparisons between years particularly difficult. However, there was a substantial reduction in KSI casualties with 446 and 452 casualties in 2020 and 2021 respectively. 2020 saw reductions in most KSI casualties when categorised by user group with the highest reductions in child 0-16, -35.1 per cent, and pedestrians, -31.9 per cent. Whilst the overall reduction in KSI casualties was maintained in 2021, increases had been seen in a number of user groups, particularly child 0-16, 87.5 per cent, and pedestrians, 19.1 per cent. Members were offered an outline of the key data for fatal casualties in 2021. Over 1000 sites and links were assessed annually resulting in over 50 sites requiring more detailed investigation and improvement work. There were currently seven average speed, 39 static and approximately 80 mobile camera sites in the County. Static camera sites were currently subject to digital upgrade programme. Operation Snap enables the submission of dashcam video evidence from members of the public in relation to suspected driving offences. Up to the end of November, 774 submissions were received in 2021 resulting in 236 suspected offences being processed and an additional 287 warning letters being issued. The Committee were advised of a number of Education, Training and Publicity (ETP) activities that were being offered, including delivery of 30,000 National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) courses as an alternative to prosecution during the Covid-19 restrictions.

The Committee considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:-

·       Members were surprised to find that most incidents occurred during periods of fine weather mid-day.

·       Referencing the incident they were personally aware of on the A1, Members asked if they could be provided with a more detailed breakdown. The LRSP Senior Manager explained that, while all incidents were detailed within the report, he’d be happy to provide something more specific to the Committee depending on their level of interest. Members were advised that the Executive Councillor for Highways, Transport and IT led a presentation in Grantham highlighting the issues in the County’s stretch of the A1.

·       Relaying their own experiences, a Member provided a less than satisfactory example of reporting dangerous drivers to the Police. Moreover, Members asked if the evidence recorded by community speed watch groups could progress to prosecution or fines. The LRSP Senior Manager was disappointed to hear the Member’s account, he reminded them of the Operation Snap programme which invited members of the public to submit dashcam footage, and a witness statement where necessary, to the LRSP which could ultimately lead to a warning letter being forwarded to the responsible driver. The LRSP Senior Manager agreed that it was hugely important to ensure that community speed watch groups felt their contribution to safer roads was appreciated, however he was of the opinion that the accuracy and integrity of enforcement could be undermined if it were to be expanded beyond trained professionals using calibrated specialist equipment. Moreover, conflicts with motorists were common when enforcing speed limits; to facilitate community groups’ presence in such situations could lead to safety concerns. It was however stressed that other areas in the country were exploring expanded enforcement powers and their experiences would be observed.

·       Members sought further information on the human cost factor, mentioned in the report. The LRSP Senior Manager explained that the human cost factor relating to collisions was a nationally agreed measure, but stated that factors included cost of emergency services, medical care, and potential loss of contribution to society.

·       Noting their previous interest, some Members asked if street lighting was a contributing factor in incidents, The LRSP Senior Manager advised that, during 2017-19, in hours of darkness with streetlights present but unlit, only 11 recorded incidents were recorded. During 2020, following a change in policy, eight incidents occurred. The most common collations for incidents occurring where in daylight with street lights present and darkness with no street lights were present.

·       Referencing the KSI casualties identified within the report, Members observed a spike in incidents in 2017,18 and 19.The LRSP Senior Manager advised that during the period referenced, the method of record used by Police Officers was changed to a digital system. This resulted in injuries being more accurately recorded with greater severity, which was evidently reflected in statistics. It was stressed that the overall number of collisions was broadly similar, however the classification of injury was what varied.

·       Members observed that adults aged 25 to 59 accounted for the majority fatal casualties despite common perceptions of younger and older drivers being higher risk. The LRSP Senior Manager suggested that the drivers aged 17 to 24 and over 60s were likely the most affect by the Pandemic which was reflected in the casualty statistics. Nevertheless, as perceived vulnerable groups, LRSP’s resources were targeted at them in the endeavour of decreased collisions.

·       Members asked what package of resources were available for local communities hoping to deter speeding. The LRSP Senior Manager stated that the DfT 0107 guidance document was observed when implementing speed cameras to avoid death and injury.  Where criteria were met, speed cameras were offered. Community speed watch could still purchase passive signs, speed indicators and enhanced signs.

·       Refencing a previous fatality, a Member indicated their dissatisfaction with the County Council’s response upon a request for speed enforcement. The LRSP Senior Manager agreed that all appropriate steps to reduce the likelihood of a collision should be explored. However, stressed that Lincolnshire’s Road network was one of the largest in the UK so resources needed to be directed to areas most effected by speeding.

·       Noting that the highest contributory factor defined by Stats19 data was careless, reckless, or in a hurry, Members asked what per centage that collisions that made up. The LRSP Senior Manager explained that 15/40 (37.5 per cent) fatalities resulted fromcareless, reckless, or in a hurry driving.

·       Observing the underspend in the 21/22 budget, Members asked if that could be used to provide additional signage around the County. The LRSP Senior Manager that any underspend was ringfenced into the Road Safety Partnership. Signed was installed within the County, indicating year on year loss of life as a result of road traffic collisions.

RESOLVED

That the Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee note the Road Safety Partnership Annual Report.