NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Streetscene & Engineering Cabinet Board

20th September 2019

Report of the Head of Engineering & Transport

David W. Griffiths

Matter for Decision

Wards Affected: Ystalyfera

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order for a 20mph Zone and Speed Cushions in Ystalyfera

Purpose of the Report:

To consider the objections received following the advertisement of the above scheme, as indicated in Appendices A1, A2 and A3.

Executive Summary:

A total of 194 letters/emails objecting to the scheme were received.

A petition containing 145 letters objecting to the scheme was also received.

A total of six letters supporting the scheme were received.

The report states the number of objections and the recommendations for the scheme.

Background:

The local Councillor and residents raised concerns of vehicles speeding within the village back in early 2017.

Officers prepared a scheme which was consulted upon informally and following community feedback a revised scheme was further consulted upon. The returns were split on a 50:50 basis for and against the proposals.

On this basis, with the agreement of the local Member, a bid was submitted to Welsh Government in January 2019.

The Welsh Government Grant was subsequently obtained to implement physical traffic calming measures and to provide a self-enforcing 20mph zone.

Financial Impacts:

The work is funded by Welsh Government.

Integrated Impact Assessment:

A first stage Impact Assessment has been undertaken to assist the Council in discharging its legislative duties (under the Equality Act 2010, the Welsh Language Standards (No.1) Regulations 2015, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.

The first stage assessment, attached at Appendix B, has indicated that a more in-depth assessment is not required. A summary is included below:-

A full impact assessment is not required as the proposals are to be withdrawn.

Valleys Communities Impacts:

No implications.

Workforce Impacts:

No implications.

Legal Impacts:

The scheme was advertised for a 21-day period as part of the statutory process.

Risk Management Impacts:

No implications.

Consultation:

A consultation exercise was carried out when the scheme was formally advertised in August 2019.

A total of 194 letters/emails objecting to the scheme were also received.

A petition containing 145 letters objecting to the scheme was received.

A total of six letters supporting the scheme were received.

After meeting with the local Councillor to consider the individual objections and petition received, it was decided that due to the significant number of objections from the local community to the proposed scheme that the Traffic Regulation Orders be withdrawn.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:-

The proposed Traffic Regulation Orders for the traffic calming measures (speed cushions) and 20mph zone are withdrawn.

The objectors to be informed of the decision.

That officers notify Welsh Government on the community consultation feedback and that the scheme be withdrawn from the Safe Routes in Communities programme relating to the 20mph zone.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

That the proposals are withdrawn due to the significant objections received from the community to the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders.

Implementation of Decision:

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call in period.

Appendices:

Appendix A1 - Plan: Safe Routes in Communities 2019-2020 Ystalyfera Proposed 20mph Zone

Appendix A2 – Plan: Safe Routes in Communities 2019-2020 Ystalyfera

Proposed Traffic Calming Measures

Appendix A3 – Plan: Safe Routes in Communities 2019-2020 Ystalyfera Proposed Traffic Calming Measures

Appendix B – First Stage IIA

List of Background Papers:

None

Officer Contact:

Martin Brumby, Project Manager Highways - Engineering & Transport

Tel. No: 01639 686013

Email: environment@npt.gov.uk

Appendix A1

Appendix A2

Appendix A3

Appendix B