Purpose

Consideration of Traffic Enforcement options – Newlands Street and Arnsley Road, Kettering

Decision

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive

a.   Approved the review and consolidation of the existing TRO governing access to Newland Street, Kettering and Arnsley Road, Corby to operate Monday to Saturday between 8am to 8pm restricting access to buses, Hackney Carriages, and cyclists only and to commence the statutory and public consultation relating to the TROs accordingly.

b.   Approved the introduction of enforcement with the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras on the section of Newland Street to seek to improve the safety for pedestrians crossing this busy street.

c.   Approved the introduction of enforcement with the use of ANPR cameras on the section of Arnsley Road to seek to improve the reliability and functionality of the dedicated bus route, reduce risks to other highways users and pedestrians.

d.   Approved the implementation of ANPR cameras within designated School Streets to improve safety, access and reduce congestion during identified hours of operation.

e. Delegated authority to the Assistant Director for Assets and Environment in consultation with the Executive Member for Highways and Travel to procure and sign any necessary contracts and TROs.

Reason for Recommendations:

•     The proposal reflects the concerns raised by residents and stakeholders to review the safety of these roads.

•     The restriction of access to these roads will decrease the number of vehicles driving over this crossing, reducing the volume of vehicles entering the crossing, improving road safety, the environment and air quality for pedestrians.

•     Enforcement of bus lane contraventions is proven to reduce the current level of moving traffic contraventions in bus lanes, resulting in improved journey times and journey time reliability for bus passengers, therefore, enhancing the attractiveness of public transport to potential users.

•         School Streets can improve the experiences of a school’s pupils, staff, visitors, and neighbours alike at peak school arrival and departure times. Schemes can support the delivery of a range of benefits at the individual, school, neighbourhood and broader local authority area.

Alternative Options Considered – The only other option is to do nothing which would not see any improvements to the safety of the pedestrians using this crossing at Newland Street during busy times. Due to the increase in population in Kettering, the number of contraventions is likely to rise over time.