Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

Thereport sets out a GMCA approved a draft strategy to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured (KSIs) on GM roads, which is badged as Vision Zero. The key aspiration is to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths on our roads to zero by 2040. 

TheScrutiny Committeeis recommended to comment upon the proposed strategy and its draft actions for inclusion in the consultation taking place.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out a GMCA approved a draft strategy to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured (KSIs) on GM roads, which was badged as Vision Zero. The key aspiration was to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths on our roads to zero by 2040.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members welcomed the report and its goal to reduce the number of KSIs on Greater Manchester roads to zero. Members considered that this strategy gave the borough an opportunity to be a leader in creating safer streets. This strategy was also seen as a starting point for a culture change, particularly in terms of Members reporting road safety concerns to the Highways team.

·         Members requested further information on when safety performance indicators were likely to be published and what those indicators were likely to be. Further information was also requested on the funding of the scheme and its delegation.

·         In response, it was stated that a further report on this strategy was scheduled for completion in November 2024.

·         Members requested clarity on the process for requesting speed cameras or junction protection measures from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority or Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

·         It was reported that TfGM had requested updated guidance from Central Government on the installation of speed cameras.

·         Members commented that the aim of zero KSIs on GM roads might not be achievable due to the number of variables which it would not be possible to legislate for, including factors such as the weather and age of drivers.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.