Purpose

The report seeks approval for
the 2025 / 2026 Capital Funded Local Safety Scheme
Programme. 

Decision

Decision(s):
 
That the 2025/2026 Local Safety Scheme
Programme be approved.
 
Reason(s) for the
Decision(s):
 
The Local Safety Scheme Programme is
established annually through a comprehensive review of recorded
injury accident data across Sefton over the preceding three-year
period. This analysis identifies locations with recurring patterns
or trends in road traffic collisions (RTCs), enabling the
development of appropriate and targeted engineering interventions
aimed at mitigating risk and improving road safety.
 
In previous years, the programme has
successfully pinpointed locations where contributory factors
suggest that certain aspects of the road environment are
challenging for road users. These insights guide the implementation
of physical measures and inform potential modifications to the road
layout, signage, or surface treatments. The evidence-based approach
ensures that resources are directed to areas with the greatest
potential for safety improvements.
 
Collision patterns can be complex and may
involve specific road user groups or particular causation factors.
These factors, recorded by Merseyside Police at the scene of
incidents, include but are not limited to excessive speed, impaired
driving (e.g. due to drugs or alcohol), adverse weather conditions,
poor road surface conditions, and vehicle defects. Unfortunately,
many collisions occur due to individual driver error, such as
failing to observe properly, misjudging speed or distance, or not
stopping at junctions for vehicles or carriageway edges. Each
location is unique, and not all will exhibit common causation
factors, which can make it challenging to address issues solely
through engineering solutions.
 
A borough-wide review of Sefton’s roads
was conducted to identify clusters of RTCs where targeted
interventions may be appropriate. The audit considered all reported
collisions within the last three years, focusing on Sefton Council
managed roads (excluding those managed by National Highways). For a
location to qualify as a cluster warranting further investigation,
a minimum of seven collisions had to be recorded within the review
period. Collision data was cross-referenced with Merseyside Police
reports to gain a deeper understanding of each incident.
 
The review revealed a limited number of
locations where interventions could be considered.
 
Alternative Options
Considered and Rejected
 
None