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: Briton Ferry East, Neath East and Neath South

Proposed Traffic Regulation Orders for a 20mph Zone and Speed Cushions:

Briton Ferry, Melin and Neath

Purpose of the Report:

To consider the objections received following the advertisement of the above scheme, as indicated in Appendices A, B & C.

Executive Summary:

Eight letters/emails objecting to the scheme were received.

11 letters/emails supporting the scheme were received.

The report outlines the objections and the recommendations for the scheme.

Background:

The proposed 20mph zone and speed cushions are required to reduce vehicular speeds in the area.

The local Councillors and residents have raised concerns over speeding traffic and motorists using the main roads as ‘rat-runs’ to avoid Neath Road and Briton Ferry Road.

There are three Schools in the area which have a large proportion of children walking to School.

The proposals will provide a safer environment for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and local residents.

Financial Impacts:

The work is to be funded by the Welsh Government Road Safety Grant.

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 D, 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 will provide a benefit for the local community.

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 advertised in July/August 2019.

Approximately 760 properties were letter-dropped during the consultation.

Eight letters/emails objecting to the scheme were received.

11 letters/emails supporting the scheme were received.

The objections are summarised as follows:-

There will be an increase in noise from vehicles.

Concerns of air pollution.

The number of speed cushions is excessive.

Concerns that the proposals will not be effective.

The Police fully support the proposals.

The objections have been discussed with the local Members who support the scheme as advertised.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:-

The objections are overruled and the objectors informed of the decision.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

To ensure the reduction of vehicular speed in the interest of road safety.

Implementation of Decision:

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

Appendices:

Appendix A - Plan: Proposed Speed Cushions – Hillside & Dan-y-Graig Road, Neath

Appendix B – Plan: Proposed Speed Cushions & 20mph Zone – Melin, Neath

Appendix C – Plan: Proposed Speed Cushions – Old Road, Melin/Briton Ferry, Neath

Appendix D - 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

James Kane, Senior Assistant Engineer - Engineering & Transport

Tel. No: 01639 686465

Email: environment@npt.gov.uk

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D