Traffic management schemes are introduced to solve an identified problem in one or more roads.
The need for a scheme can be identified in a variety of ways. It may, for example, be a bad accident record or the concerns of residents that prompts an investigation.
Policy on introducing traffic management schemes
In general the Council will not install traffic calming measures in just one road. This is because traffic calming one road tends simply to move the problems into adjacent roads.
We have a well-established traffic calming policy, based on area-wide studies. This has the advantage that we are able to introduce 20-mph zones which actually work. This also makes it less likely that we will move rat-running problems from one street to another.
We adopted this method in 2001 and divided the borough into areas, using major roads or railways as boundaries.
These schemes are funded by money we bid for from Transport for London and we generally can take forward one or two areas a year.
How we assess the need for traffic management schemes
Potential schemes are assessed against the following policies:
- to achieve safe movement by reducing accident levels
- to promote and accommodate the maintenance and improvement of public transport
- to restrain traffic and safeguard the environment
- to seek equitable levels of mobility and accessibility for all groups of people, particularly for those presently disadvantaged in mobility terms i.e. people with disabilities, children, women, the old and the infirm
- to reduce the impact of commuter parking
- to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and convenience
- to promote cycling.
Consultation on traffic management schemes
We may carry out informal consultation with local people on a scheme if appropriate. In such a local consultation we generally offer residents a series of options and ask their views on our proposals.
We do this where we introduce, for example, parking schemes or 20 mph zones.
There is no statutory requirement to consult widely on such schemes – the extent to which we consult is governed by the Council’s own policy.
You can find further details in our transport consultation section.
Advance notice of traffic management schemes
As a general rule, we must give notice of all schemes regardless of whether informal consultation was carried out or not.
Public notices advertised in the local press give members of the public the opportunity to object to the measures.
Residents can comment on proposed schemes, and we will consider any representations we receive. A three week period is allowed for objections. If we feel it is necessary, we may amend the scheme.
Schemes may need to be re-designed with further notices being published, before a legally enforceable Traffic Order can be made and the scheme introduced.
Also as a general rule, all major highway and traffic management schemes must also be subject to statutory consultation with the emergency services and other road user groups.
Enforcing traffic orders
The Council, as Highway Authority, is responsible for introducing and maintaining the physical measures and for making any necessary Traffic Orders but with the exception of parking schemes, enforcement of Traffic Orders is the responsibility of Police.