Managing Speed on the Trunk Road Network George Henry Strategic Road Safety : Network Operations Trunk Roads & Bus Operations
Contents Speed Limit Review Infrastructure Enforcement Future Management of Speed
Speed Limit Review
Speed Limit Review The Review Setting Local Speed Limits Guidance Requirement to review all A and B class roads by 2011 The review has been completed The Assessment Process Aim is consistency of the driving environment The recommendations from the speed limit review are: Evidence led i.e. mean speeds and accident rate Self enforcing i.e. consistent Self explaining and consistent across the network
Speed Limit Review Outcomes 781 sections of Trunk road network 61 sections do not reflect the recommendations of the guidance due to a variety of factors: outcomes of police consultation Existing speed restrictions due to departures from standard speed enforcement sites incl. average speed locations existing speed restrictions in place due to safety reasons consistency along the length of the route 67 proposed changes: 23 increases, 44 decreases All 8 police forces consulted and agree with proposed changes
Speed Limit Review Consultation No direct requirement to consult publicly We are cross-checking representations by location Local Authority representatives during SCOTS & Route Safety Group meetings Communication Strategy Working closely with TS Communications team Publication includes open access on the Transport Scotland website
Speed Limit Review Cost Benefits Difficult to quantify financial benefits however.. Mean speeds should already be in line with the proposed change Gives consistency across the network Enforcement costs should fall More efficient use of enforcement resources i.e. safety camera partnerships Accident causations considered Implementation A prioritised list of Traffic Regulation Orders promotion will be divided into operating company area and on a route by route basis Recommended sites of speed limit increases be held in abeyance The aim is to commence the first traffic regulation order by the end of 2012
Infrastructure
Infrastructure Improve journey time reliability. Reduce disruption caused by incidents, roadworks and events. Minimise the effects of congestion by the provision of alternative route advice. Ability of travellers to make informed decisions concerning route, time, and means of transport by the provision of credible and accurate travel information. Improved safety and security for travellers.
Monitor Inform Control Improve journey time reliability Reduce disruption caused by incidents, roadworks and events Provide alternative route guidance Provide credible and accurate travel information
intelligent transport systems
Variable Message Signs
Vehicle Activated Signs
Enforcement
Safety Camera Programme
Speed Management Roadworks
Future Management of Speed
Future Management of Speed Prioritisation of New Average Speed Systems Enhancements to ITS Systems Work Closely with Single Police Force
Background Policy Scottish Road Safety Casualty Reduction Targets 2020 Strategic Road Safety Plan The Strategic Transport Projects Review The National Transport Strategy
Benefits of Average Speed Cameras Average Speed Camera Systems can return significant accident / casualty reductions through: Reduced average speeds Reduced speed distribution between vehicles Improved traffic flow conditions Besides road safety, ASCS may also provide secondary benefits such as Reduced emissions and noise through narrowed speeds/more efficient fuel average speeds Improved journey time reliability Regulated traffic flow conditions However, these were not considered as part of this assessment
Development Criteria The Scottish Safety Camera Programme Handbook outlines requirements for new fixed, mobile and red light sites Build on this established approach to target areas of the network with: High number of accidents High severity of accidents Speed identified as a contributory factor in accidents Ensures scope of potential casualty reduction is maximised and that an Average Speed Camera System is suitable the tool to achieve this Evidence base important to ensure process is robust and demonstrate case to both stakeholders and public
Assessment Process Initial Assessment To identify sections with an accident rate greater than the national average Proximity Analysis To combine sections to be considered collectively where in close proximity Prioritisation Accident scoring to identify KSI accidents Causation Analysis To identify sections where accidents occurred as a result of speed Final Prioritisation Section with identified speeding issues prioritised by Accident scoring
Further Assessment Considerations eurorap Risk Mapping Moving Cursor Programme Average SPECS Speed Review Camera System Review Route Safety Files Stakeholders Contribution STPR Corridor Review
Points Considered Network tool or option tool Prioritisation Accident Scoring System Accident scoring v Number of accidents caused by speeding Investment Assessment (VFM) Average Speed Camera System user group consultation Approved systems and technical restraints Post installation monitoring and review
Enhancements to ITS Systems New Traffic Control Centre Building work complete mid November 2012 Fit out scheduled for completion circa February 2013. Operational March 2013. Centre will operate FRC corridor and rest of trunk road network.
Enhancements to ITS Systems Variable Message Signs Tactical message capability (local management) Strategic message capability (external influence) Incident Detection Queue detection and protection Variable mandatory speed limits Input to ITS systems Lane Control Signals Lane management
Enhancements to ITS Systems Variable Speed Limits High degree of speed control Mandatory signalling Access Control Manage junction and mainline interaction Capability to implement prioritisation CCTV Surveillance Network condition Incident support
The Objectives of Forth Replacement Crossing Protect essential link across the Firth of Forth Making best use of existing infrastructure Forth Road Bridge retained as dedicated public transport corridor Creating new opportunities for growth in public transport Prepare a Public Transport Strategy
Forth Replacement Crossing Update Principal Contract awarded to Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors. Completion by 2016. (D & B, tender price of 790 million, 2.7km cable stayed bridge). M9 Junction 1A awarded to John Sisk and Roadbridge. Completion by early 2012. (D & B, tender price of 25.6 million, provision of improved motorway connections and ITS). Fife ITS awarded to John Graham Ltd. Completion by late 2012. (D & B, tender price of 12.9 million, provision of ITS).
What It Will Look Like
Other Core Work To Improve JTR Better Management of the Impact of Major Road Incidents Improving Resilience Capability Personalisation of Travel Information Services Expansion of Journey Time Provision
Working with Single Police Force Enhancing existing relationships Sharing data for evidence led enforcement Safety Camera Programme joining Transport Scotland
Questions? George Henry Strategic Road Safety : Network Operations Trunk Roads & Bus Operations