The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, Councillor Jennifer Warren, approved the installation of traffic signals at two junctions and the extension of a 50mph speed limit. The meeting also saw an item withdrawn and a decision on the Fillongley Road junction postponed before ultimately being approved.

B4102 Fillongley Road, Fillongley Crossroads Junction CRS

The most significant discussion of the meeting concerned the proposed installation of traffic signals at the B4102 Fillongley Road, Fillongley Crossroads. Despite initial intentions to make a decision, the Portfolio Holder, Councillor Jennifer Warren, postponed the decision to allow for further officer advice following extensive public objections.

Numerous residents and local representatives voiced strong opposition to the proposal. Concerns were raised about the scheme's suitability for the rural village character, potential for increased congestion and rat-running on narrow local roads such as Church Lane and Ousterne Lane, and the impact on local businesses and residents' access to their properties. Many speakers referenced previous traffic management schemes in Fillongley that had not been successful and argued that the root cause of accidents was speeding, not the junction layout itself. Alternatives suggested included average speed cameras, speed cushions, and improved signage.

Councillor Scott Cameron, the local elected member for Coleshill South & Arley, also declared an interest and expressed his view that the proposals were not supported by residents and should be withdrawn.

Councillor Warren acknowledged the residents' concerns, including those regarding village character, tailbacks, traffic displacement, and child safety. However, she stated her statutory duty to act on available evidence, noting five recorded injury accidents in the past 11 years, with approximately 90% involving drivers failing to stop. She explained that alternative measures had been assessed and advised against by officers as they would not adequately control the junction. Councillor Warren ultimately approved the introduction of traffic signals with pedestrian facilities at the junction, committing to continued engagement, further technical presentations, consideration of additional mitigation measures if displacement occurs, dedicated school crossing provisions, pre- and post-installation monitoring, and a full review six months after implementation.

Proposed Signalisation of Existing Junction Tamworth Road (B4098) / Atherstone Road (B4116), Furnace End

The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning approved the introduction of traffic signals with pedestrian facilities at the Tamworth Road (B4098)/Atherstone Road (B4116) junction in Furnace End. This decision was made following a public consultation where nine objections were received. The primary reason for the scheme is to address a long-standing pattern of high annual collision rates at this location, which has featured in the top two worst-performing locations within the County for a number of years. The proposed signals are intended to provide greater control over vehicle movements and directly address the predominant contributory factor to collisions: failure to give way. The scheme will be financed by the HS2/DfT approved funding from the Road Safety Fund.

Extension of 50mph Speed Limit at Ettington Crossroads, Fosse Way Scheme

Councillor Warren approved the extension of the 50mph speed limit on the approaches to the Ettington crossroads on the B4455 Fosse Way. The existing section of road is currently subject to the National Speed Limit, and the proposal aims to reduce this to 50mph, extending an existing 50mph restriction. This measure is part of a wider Fosse Way Scheme designed to tackle inappropriate speeding, particularly among young and newly qualified drivers. The proposal was consulted upon, and while 30 objections were received from local residents and one from a local Councillor, the council's response indicated that more substantial interventions like roundabouts or traffic signals were not feasible due to land constraints and the need to align with the Casualty Reduction Scheme policy. The scheme will be funded from the Council's capital budget for Casualty Reduction schemes.

Crew Lane Kenilworth, Traffic Regulation Orders

This item was withdrawn from the agenda pending further review.