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Following the first week of consultation there have been a number of questions asked about the proposed scheme. Officers have reviewed the common themes of the questions and have provided a list of frequently asked questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could the original one-way scheme be implemented instead?
During the consultation for the permanent version of the one-way scheme over 500 responses were received. There has been a lot of strength of feeling both for and against the scheme. It would be very difficult for officers to continue with the legal process required to implement this scheme, due to the volume and strength of objections. Therefore, alternative options have been considered and officers believe that the new proposal is the best compromise, that will help meet the needs of all users.
Why can’t a formal footway be constructed?
To install a formal footway, it would require the purchase of private land as there is insufficient space within the adopted highway boundary. It would also require the removal of a number of trees and shrubs which would have a detrimental impact to the environment and habitats. The cost to provide such a footway is estimated in excess of £1 million. Currently there is insufficient funding to consider this option.
Why has the speed limit reduction for Moor Lane been proposed as 30mph as opposed to 20mph?
20mph zones/ speed limits are designed to be self-enforcing with average speeds of 24mph or below be the threshold. Speeds on Moor Lane are currently higher so traffic calming would be required to bring speed within compliance. Physical traffic calming measures have a requirement to be lit throughout the hours of darkness. Unfortunately, street lighting would not be possible of this section of Moor Lane due to the impact on the environment and wildlife.
Can further traffic calming measures be installed on the Quiet Lane section of Moor Lane?
Unable to install physical traffic calming on an unlit road. Street lighting could not be implemented on this road due to the environmental and wildlife impact.
What is proposed for parking for bird watching?
As part of the scheme we are considering options to improve facilities for those wishing to view Boldon Flats. Officers will work the local community to determine what improvements are needed.
Can the 20mph zone extend to Whitburn Road?
20mph zones/ speed limits are designed to be self-enforcing with average speeds of 24mph or below be the threshold. Speeds on Whitburn road are currently higher so traffic calming would be required to bring speed within compliance.
Additionally, 20mph Zones should be implemented in residential areas or in and around shops, markets, playgrounds and other areas with high pedestrian or cyclist traffic. The Department for Transport specifies that 20 zones should not include roads where vehicle movement is the primary function. Whitburn Road however is a key distributor road for not only public transport but also emergency services, with its primary function being vehicle movement.
Do speed humps cause damage to vehicles?
75 mm high humps are generally recommended by DfT and are proposed for the Moor Lane Area, Highways Improvements scheme. This dimension is within the legal requirement for road hump dimensions as specified in The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999'.
Vehicles travelling over road humps that conform to the regulations, at appropriate speeds should not suffer damage. Vehicle speeds within the 20mph zone should not exceed 20mph.
All motor vehicles are built to ‘Construction and Use’ Government Guidelines by their manufacturers. The ‘Construction and Use’ guidelines take into account the various driving conditions which motor vehicles are likely to encounter during everyday use, such conditions include road humps and speed cushions.
Do speed humps increase vehicle emissions?
Although some traffic management measures can result in increased emissions per vehicle, they also generally result in a reduction in the volume of traffic. Thus, even though emissions per vehicle may increase, this can be offset by the reduction in traffic. The amount of traffic in residential areas is relatively small, and traffic diverted to other roads is unlikely to have a significant effect on emissions.