Decision

The Climate, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee considered evidence from National Highways, Avon and Somerset Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding the frequency and duration of M5 closures, the impact on Somerset communities and businesses, and the operational challenges associated with incident response, investigation and recovery. The Committee recognised the significant economic and social impacts caused by motorway closures and acknowledged the need for a collaborative approach to reducing disruption.

The Committee RESOLVED to recommend to the Executive:

1. That the Leader of Somerset Council writes to Government seeking additional funding for both policing and mental health services, recognising the evidence presented regarding the role of road policing resources, enforcement activity, mental health incidents and wider public service pressures in contributing to motorway closures and delays.

1. That Somerset Council, National Highways, Avon and Somerset Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner establish a joint multi-agency working group to:

• analyse incident and closure data;
• identify the principal causes of motorway closures;
• review opportunities to reduce the frequency and duration of incidents;
• consider best practice from elsewhere; and
• develop a coordinated improvement plan for Somerset.

1. That Executive investigates the establishment of a Somerset Road Safety Partnership, drawing on the Vision Zero model referenced during the meeting, bringing together relevant partners to improve road safety, reduce collisions and support behavioural change through education, enforcement and prevention measures.

1. That the outcomes of the proposed multi-agency work are reported back to Scrutiny in due course, including information on planned interventions, resource requirements and measures of success.